The Centre will introduce the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, in the Rajya Sabha on July 20, 2026, to extend legal protection to the National Song Vande Mataram.
The legislation amends the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971. It aims to penalise acts that obstruct the singing of Vande Mataram or insult it, with up to three years of imprisonment.
The bill draws on a January 24, 1950, statement by Dr. Rajendra Prasad in the Constituent Assembly. It notes that Vande Mataram played a historic role in the freedom struggle and should be honoured equally with Jana-Gana-Mana.
CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas has written to Home Minister Amit Shah opposing the move. Brittas argued that the Constituent Assembly did not grant the National Song and National Anthem identical legal status and that Parliament deliberately limited the 1971 Act to the National Anthem only.
The introduction coincides with year-long celebrations marking the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram. The Union Home Ministry has already directed states to play or sing the song at official functions alongside the National Anthem.
