The Lok Sabha on Thursday passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, granting legal protection to the National Song, Vande Mataram.
The bill, cleared by voice vote amid a massive showdown, follows its earlier passage in the Rajya Sabha, ensuring that insulting or obstructing the singing of Vande Mataram will now be a criminal offence.
Under the amended law, acts of desecration or disrespect towards national symbols—including the National Flag, Constitution, National Anthem and Vande Mataram—will attract penalties of up to three years’ imprisonment, fines, or both.
The move marks a significant expansion of the National Honour framework, bringing the National Song on par with other protected symbols.
The passage of the bill comes amid heightened debates in Parliament, with the government stressing the importance of safeguarding cultural identity and national pride.
