Centre to Introduce Bill Making Insults to Vande Mataram a Criminal Offence
The Union government is set to introduce a bill in the Rajya Sabha that would make any obstruction or insult to the national song 'Vande Mataram' a criminal offence. The bill, listed for the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament on Monday, will amend the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.
Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to introduce the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026. The existing Act criminalises disrespect or desecration of national symbols including the national flag, the Constitution, and the national anthem, with punishment of up to three years' imprisonment. The amendment seeks to bring 'Vande Mataram' under the same protections.
'Vande Mataram' was composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and holds equal status with the national anthem 'Jana Gana Mana'. The move comes amid periodic debates over the legal status and respect accorded to the national song.
The bill's introduction is procedural; details on specific penalties or language defining 'insult' or 'obstruction' will be clarified during parliamentary debate. The government has not yet released the full text of the amendment.
