Vande Mataram Gets Same Legal Protection as National Anthem After President Droupadi Murmu’s Assent

President Droupadi Murmu has given her official assent to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, officially extending the same statutory penal protections to the National Song, Vande Mataram, as those previously reserved for the National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana. With the presidential approval, the legislation has now been enacted into law.

Under the amended law, intentionally preventing the singing of Vande Mataram or causing a deliberate disturbance to an assembly engaged in its performance is a punishable offence. Violators face imprisonment for up to three years, a fine, or both—matching the penalties specified under Section 3 of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971. Lok Sabha Passes Bill Criminalising Insults to Vande Mataram Amid Uproar.

Key Provisions of the Legislation

The Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Act, 2026, amends Section 3 of the original 1971 statute. Where the original framework specifically penalized disrespect toward the National Flag, the Constitution, and the National Anthem, the newly inserted provisions explicitly bring the National Song under the same statutory shield.

The Statement of Objects and Reasons attached to the legislation references the January 24, 1950 declaration by Constituent Assembly President Dr. Rajendra Prasad. At the time, Dr. Prasad stated that Vande Mataram, due to its historic role in India’s independence movement, should be honoured equally with Jana Gana Mana and accorded equal status. The government noted that the 2026 amendment resolves a long-standing statutory gap to formalize that mandate.

Parliamentary Passage and Political Debate

The legislation was passed by both Houses of Parliament during the Monsoon Session following intense debate between the treasury and opposition benches. Members of the ruling coalition maintained that conferring equal legal safeguards upon the National Song reinforces national symbols and honors the legacy of the freedom struggle. Independence Day 2026: Vande Mataram to Be Sung From Red Fort Ramparts for First Time.

Opposition parties raised concerns regarding the practical and administrative implications of the amendment. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor questioned the operational feasibility of protocol requirements at state and official functions, specifically referencing mandatory standing durations when multiple anthems or state songs are performed. Representatives from regional parties, including the DMK, voiced ideological objections during parliamentary debates regarding secularism, federalism, and the selection of specific stanzas.

With the gazette notification following the President’s approval, law enforcement agencies across states are now mandated to enforce the provisions of the amended 1971 Act regarding both the National Anthem and National Song uniformly.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 11, 2026 03:37 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).