Union Home Minister Amit Shah will present the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, in the Rajya Sabha during the Monsoon Session of Parliament. This bill aims to provide legal protection to Vande Mataram similar to that of the National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana. If passed, the legislation will make disrespecting Vande Mataram a punishable offense, aligning it with the National Anthem in terms of legal safeguards.
The proposed amendment seeks to extend the same legal protections to Vande Mataram as currently exist for the National Anthem. Individuals found intentionally insulting or obstructing the singing of the National Song could face imprisonment for up to three years, a fine, or both. The existing law mandates respect for the National Anthem, requiring individuals to stand during its rendition and prohibiting any acts of insult or disruption.
The amendment to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act aims to ensure that Vande Mataram receives the same level of legal protection as the National Anthem. If the Bill is approved by both Houses of Parliament, disrespecting Vande Mataram will be considered a criminal offense, subjecting the National Song to the legal framework that safeguards other national symbols.
The proposed legislative change will bring Vande Mataram under the same legal framework that protects national symbols like the National Anthem, the National Flag, and the Constitution. It proposes imprisonment of up to three years, in addition to potential fines, for those who intentionally prevent or disturb the singing of Vande Mataram or cause disruptions during its rendition. The amendment also aligns with a recent directive from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to play Vande Mataram before Jana Gana Mana at official government functions.
