Union Home Minister Amit Shah will introduce the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 in the Rajya Sabha during the first sitting of the Monsoon Session.
The proposed legislation seeks to bring the National Song, ‘Vande Mataram’, within the scope of criminal penalties for deliberate acts of disrespect.
The Bill proposes changes to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, which currently provides legal protection to the National Flag, the Constitution and the National Anthem.
At present, anyone who intentionally interrupts or prevents the singing of the National Anthem, or causes disruption during its rendition, may face imprisonment for up to three years.
Under the proposed amendment, the same punishment would apply to those who deliberately insult, obstruct or disturb the singing of ‘Vande Mataram’.
The proposed legislation penalises anyone who intentionally disrupts a gathering where ‘Vande Mataram’ is being sung.
The Centre aims to grant ‘Vande Mataram’ the same statutory protection as ‘Jana Gana Mana’.
Although India recognises ‘Vande Mataram’ as the National Song, the 1971 Act does not currently provide it with statutory protection.
The Ministry of Home Affairs recently directed all states to play ‘Vande Mataram’ before ‘Jana Gana Mana’ whenever officials perform both songs at government functions.
The Rajya Sabha has listed the Bill for consideration on Monday.
If both Houses of Parliament pass the legislation and the President gives assent, the law will make the intentional insult or disruption of ‘Vande Mataram’ a criminal offence punishable by up to three years’ imprisonment.
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