Centre To Table Bill To Make "Insult" To 'Vande Mataram' Criminal Offence
Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to introduce the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, in the Rajya Sabha this Monday. The proposed legislation seeks to categorize acts of disrespect toward the national song, Vande Mataram, as a criminal offense.
The Central government has listed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, for introduction in the Rajya Sabha as part of Monday's legislative agenda. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to table the bill, which aims to provide legal protections for the national song similar to those currently afforded to the national anthem and flag.
Under existing laws, the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, primarily covers the Indian National Flag, the Constitution, and the National Anthem. This new amendment proposes to expand the scope of the Act to include specific provisions regarding the dignity and respect of 'Vande Mataram'.
If passed, the law would make any intentional insult or show of disrespect toward the national song a punishable crime. The legislative move follows long-standing discussions regarding the parity of status between the national anthem and the national song in legal frameworks. Source: Rajya Sabha Agenda.
