New Delhi, August 7: President Droupadi Murmu has given assent to the National Honour (Amendment) Act, 2026, extending legal protection to Vande Mataram in addition to the National Anthem.
The amendment comes after Parliament passed the Bill to strengthen provisions under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.
Vande Mataram Receives Legal Protection
Under the amended law, anyone who intentionally prevents or disrupts the singing of Vande Mataram can face imprisonment of up to three years, a fine, or both.
Earlier, similar legal protection under Section 3 of the 1971 Act applied only to the National Anthem. The amendment now extends the same safeguards to Vande Mataram.
The legislation aims to provide equal legal protection to the national song during public performances and official events.
The amendment received the President’s assent after being passed by both Houses of Parliament, bringing the new provisions into force.
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