Parliament passes bill granting Vande Mataram same statutory protection as National Anthem
PARLIAMENT has passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026. Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai moved the bill to further amend the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.
The legislation seeks to give Vande Mataram the same statutory protection as the national anthem, Jana Gana Mana. These offences are punishable with imprisonment up to three years, a fine, or both.
Earlier, replying to the discussion on the Bill, Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai said, the bill is not merely a legislative amendment, but it represents India’s cultural heritage, national identity, and the ideals of the country’s freedom struggle.
He said, in 1971, through the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, provisions were made to ensure respect for the National Anthem.
The minister said Vande Mataram is not just a song, but it is the voice of the nation’s soul. Mr Rai added the Vande Mataram song has been a source of inspiration for the country’s freedom fighters. He said, on 15th August 1947, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel had asked Pandit Omkarnath Thakur to render the complete Vande Mataram on All India Radio at 6:30 in the morning, marking the beginning of the first Independence Day.
The minister said that through this bill, the ideals of unity, respect, and the immortal legacy of the nation’s freedom struggle will be further strengthened.
Participating in the discussion, K Kanimozhi of DMK opposed the legislation, claiming that the Bill divides people across the country.
Supporting the bill, Sambit Patra of BJP said the legislation is very important. He said the central government is observing a year-long national commemoration for the 150th anniversary of the national song Vande Mataram from November last year. He said that through the bill, the Narendra Modi Government is giving legal protection to the National Song.
Mr Patra said Dr Rajendra Prasad had assured the Constituent Assembly that both ‘Jana Gana Mana’ and ‘Vande Mataram’ would be given equal respect. He alleged that Congress governments led by the Gandhi family have never given proper respect to Vande Mataram.
After passing the Bill, the Lok Sabha adjourned till 11 AM tomorrow.
