Rajya Sabha Debates Bill Criminalising Insult to National Song as Opposition Walks Out Over NEET Protest Demand

The Rajya Sabha on Wednesday (July 29, 2026) began debating a Bill that would make insulting the national song 'Vande Mataram' a criminal offence, even as Opposition members protested and later walked out demanding a response from Union Home Minister Amit Shah on police action against NEET paper leak protesters.

Deputy Chairman Harivansh urged members to maintain decorum as the House took up the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026. The legislation proposes to widen the scope of the original Act to include the national song, the Constitution, and other national symbols, with a penalty of up to three years' imprisonment for desecration or disrespect.

Opposition parties, including the Congress, TMC, and DMK, raised slogans demanding the presence of Home Minister Amit Shah over alleged excessive force used by Delhi Police against demonstrators protesting the NEET paper leak. They continued their protest even as the Deputy Chairman called upon members to speak on the Bill.

When Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale began his speech in favour of the Bill, the Opposition staged a walkout, accusing the government of avoiding discussion on the NEET issue. The Bill is listed for consideration and passage in the current session.

The proposed amendment also seeks to strengthen penalties for disrespecting the national flag and the national anthem, which are already covered under the existing law. The government maintains that the Bill is necessary to uphold national honour and unity.