Parliament on Thursday, 30 July passed The Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, extending the same legal protection enjoyed by the National Anthem to Vande Mataram, India's national song. The Lok Sabha approved the Bill by a voice vote, a day after the Rajya Sabha cleared it on Wednesday, amid protests and disruptions from Opposition members. The legislation now awaits the President's assent before becoming law.

What the Amendment Changes

The Bill amends the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, which previously covered the National Flag, the Constitution of India, and the National Anthem. Under the amended law, Vande Mataram is brought under the same protective framework, making it a punishable offence to intentionally obstruct or disrupt the singing of the national song or to deliberately insult it.

Offenders may face imprisonment of up to three years, a fine, or both — penalties that mirror those already applicable to insults directed at the National Anthem.

Bihar CM Welcomes the Legislation

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary was among the first state leaders to publicly welcome the development. In a post on his official X account on Thursday, he said: 'Vande Mataram is not just a national song but an inspiration for India's freedom struggle and an immortal symbol of national spirit.'

Chief Minister Choudhary described the passage of the Bill as 'a historic step towards strengthening India's cultural heritage and national honour,' and credited the move to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He added that the decision would 'strengthen respect for our national symbols and further reinforce the spirit of patriotism among future generations.'

Context and Background

Vande Mataram, composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in the 19th century, served as a rallying cry during India's independence movement and was adopted as the national song after Independence. Despite its historic stature, it had until now occupied a legally unprotected position compared to the National Anthem — Jana Gana Mana — which has carried statutory protection since 1971.

The Bill was introduced during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, and its passage marks what the government characterises as a correction of that legal asymmetry. Notably, the Lok Sabha vote was accompanied by Opposition protests, though the specific grounds of their objection were not detailed in official records at the time of passage.

What Happens Next

The Bill will formally become law upon receiving the President's assent. Once enacted, enforcement will fall under the amended 1971 Act, with courts empowered to try cases of deliberate insult or disruption. Legal experts are expected to weigh in on the practical scope of 'intentional' disruption — a term whose interpretation may shape early prosecutions under the new provisions.