Centre to Table Bill Making Insult to Vande Mataram Punishable; Parliament Gridlocked on Day 2
The Union government is expected to introduce the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, according to official sources. The bill seeks to grant statutory protection to the national song 'Vande Mataram,' making any act that obstructs its singing or insults it in any form punishable under law.
Meanwhile, the Lok Sabha is scheduled to take up the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, for consideration and passage. The bill aims to increase the number of judges in the Supreme Court to address the growing pendency of cases.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) parliamentary party in the Parliament House ahead of the day's proceedings. The meeting discussed the legislative agenda and strategies for the session.
In the Rajya Sabha, Congress Member of Parliament Renuka Chowdhury moved an adjournment motion under Rule 267, alleging that several gates of Parliament were sealed and internet services suspended, preventing MPs from leaving the House to meet citizens protesting nearby. She described the situation as an “unprecedented lockdown of Parliament,” citing heavy deployment of armed personnel and barricades.
The second day of the Monsoon Session comes after a turbulent first day on Monday, July 20, when repeated adjournments disrupted proceedings. Opposition members protested in both Houses, demanding discussions on various issues including recent question paper leaks and a protest by the so-called 'Cockroach Janta Party' at Delhi's Jantar Mantar.
The Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, if passed, would amend the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, which currently covers the national flag and the Constitution. The proposed amendment adds the national song to the list of protected symbols.
Opposition leaders have criticised the timing of the bill, arguing that it is an attempt to divert attention from pressing issues such as unemployment and inflation. However, the government maintains that the bill is necessary to uphold respect for national symbols.
