New Delhi, July 20: The Central government on Monday introduced the Prevention of Insult to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 in Parliament, proposing to make insulting or disrupting the national song Vande Mataram a punishable offence by extending legal protection similar to that provided to the national anthem.
The Bill was listed in the Rajya Sabha agenda on the opening day of the Monsoon Session. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to introduce the legislation.
The proposed amendment will modify the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971. At present, the Act provides legal protection to national symbols, including the National Flag, the Constitution and the National Anthem.
If passed, Vande Mataram will also be brought under the Act. Any insult, obstruction or act of disrespect towards the national song could attract punishment of up to three years’ imprisonment, in line with the existing provisions of the law.
The move comes as the Centre prepares to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram with year-long celebrations across the country.
The Union Home Ministry has also written to all States, requesting them to ensure that Vande Mataram is played and sung at official functions where the National Anthem is performed.
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