Bill Making Insult to Vande Mataram a Crime Introduced in Rajya Sabha Amid Stormy Session

Amid continued demands for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, the first week of the Monsoon Session of Parliament ended in a washout on Friday, with the exception of the introduction of The Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, in the Rajya Sabha.

The Bill seeks to amend the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, to make insults to the National Song 'Vande Mataram' a criminal offence, punishable with imprisonment of up to five years. The existing Act already covers insults to the National Flag and the Constitution, but does not explicitly mention the National Song.

Congress MPs Mallikarjun Kharge and Priyanka Gandhi, along with TMC MP Sagarika Ghose and others, raised slogans seeking the resignation of the Education Minister during the session. Proceedings in both Houses began with paying homage to members of the Armed Forces killed during the Kargil War, ahead of Kargil Vijay Diwas on July 26.

The Bill's introduction has sparked debate, with some opposition members questioning the necessity of such stringent penalties and expressing concerns about potential misuse. The government, however, maintains that the amendment is aimed at protecting national symbols and fostering respect for the country's heritage.

The Bill is expected to be taken up for further discussion and voting in the upcoming sessions. Its passage will require approval from both Houses of Parliament and subsequent presidential assent.