Parliament Passes Bill Making Insult To Vande Mataram A Criminal Offence Amid Opposition Protests

Parliament passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, making intentional insult, disrespect or obstruction during the rendition of the national song Vande Mataram a criminal offence. The Lok Sabha cleared the bill through a voice vote amid opposition protests over the alleged donation theft issue linked to the Ram temple in Ayodhya.

The Rajya Sabha had approved the bill on Wednesday after a debate amid opposition objections and a walkout by some members. The amendment seeks to bring Vande Mataram under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, which currently provides legal protection to the national flag, the Constitution and the national anthem Jana Gana Mana.

After receiving President Droupadi Murmu’s assent, the amended law will provide Vande Mataram similar statutory protection and make deliberate acts of insult, disrespect or disruption of its rendition punishable. The existing provisions under the Act include imprisonment of up to three years, a fine, or both.

Minister of State for Home Nityananda Rai, who introduced and piloted the bill in the Lok Sabha, said the legislation was necessary to give Vande Mataram its “due status” and place it on par with Jana Gana Mana.

“Vande Mataram is a symbol of India’s freedom struggle and national pride. This bill will ensure that the national song receives the respect it deserves, similar to the national anthem , ” Rai said during the debate.

Rai also criticised previous Congress governments, alleging that they did not give Vande Mataram equal recognition due to “appeasement politics”. He concluded his remarks in the Lok Sabha with the chant, “ Vande Mataram ”.

The legislation comes during observances marking the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in 1875 and later adopted as India’s national song.

Opposition amendments, including those moved by DMK leader A Raja, were rejected through a voice vote. After the rejection, Raja tore some documents and threw them towards the Well of the House.

The passage of the bill was followed by continued sloganeering by opposition members, forcing the Lok Sabha to adjourn for the day. The bill will now move to the President for final approval before becoming law.