The Rajya Sabha passed a bill on Wednesday making the act of insulting the national song, Vande Mataram, a criminal offence [1].
This legislative move elevates the legal protection of the national song to a level similar to that of the national anthem. The bill arrives amid a period of heightened political tension and public unrest, including protests related to the NEET-UG 2026 examination [1, 5].
The legislation is titled the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 [2]. Under the new provisions, individuals found insulting the national song may face a penalty of up to three years of imprisonment, a fine, or both [4].
Members of the upper house of the Indian Parliament approved the measure through a voice vote [2]. The proceedings took place during the 2026 Monsoon Session in New Delhi [1, 3].
The bill aims to address concerns regarding the sanctity of national symbols. The move to criminalize such insults follows a series of political confrontations that have characterized the current legislative session [1, 5].
By extending the scope of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, the government seeks to ensure that Vande Mataram receives the same legal reverence as other primary national symbols. The bill now moves forward after the Rajya Sabha's approval [1, 2].
“Insulting the national song 'Vande Mataram' is now a criminal offence.”
The passage of this amendment signals a tightening of legal restrictions around expressions of dissent or disrespect toward national symbols in India. By prescribing a three-year prison term, the state is establishing a strict legal deterrent that aligns the national song with the high-protection status of the national anthem, potentially narrowing the margin for artistic or political protest involving these symbols.
