Vande Mataram Insult May Soon Become a Punishable Offence As Government Plans New Bill
Government will introduce a bill in the Lok Sabha during the upcoming parliamentary session beginning July 20 to penalize the insult or obstruction of singing the national song, Vande Mataram. The Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, which has already received clearance from the Union Cabinet.
The Centre is set to introduce a bill in the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament that seeks to make insulting or intentionally obstructing the singing of Vande Mataram a punishable offence. The proposed Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 has already received Union Cabinet approval and is listed for introduction, consideration and passage in the Lok Sabha when the session begins on July 20, as reported by TOI.
Amendment to Extend Legal Protection
The proposed legislation aims to amend the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, extending legal protection to Vande Mataram similar to that currently available for the National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana. Under the existing law, intentionally preventing the singing of the National Anthem or causing disturbance during its rendition is punishable with imprisonment of up to three years, a fine, or both. The amendment seeks to apply similar provisions to the National Song. Parliament Winter Session 2025: Bills Passed This Session Will Make India 'Viksit Bharat', Says Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju.
Follows Earlier Government Guidelines
The move follows guidelines issued earlier this year by the Union Home Ministry regarding the singing and playing of Vande Mataram at official functions. The advisory prescribed that the National Song be played or sung at government events where the National Anthem is performed and laid down protocols for its rendition. However, those guidelines did not carry penal provisions. The proposed amendment would give statutory backing to the government's directions.
Bill Listed for Monsoon Session
According to the Lok Sabha's legislative agenda, the amendment bill is among several key pieces of legislation scheduled for the Monsoon Session beginning July 20. The government is expected to seek its introduction, consideration and passage during the session. Vande Mataram 150-Year Commemoration: Leaders Pay Tribute to Bankim Chandra Chatterji’s Immortal National Song That Continues to Unite and Inspire India.
Background
Vande Mataram, composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, was accorded the status of India's National Song by the Constituent Assembly in 1950. While it has long held ceremonial and historical significance, the existing Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act primarily protects the National Flag, the Constitution and the National Anthem. If Parliament approves the amendment, Vande Mataram would receive comparable statutory protection under the law.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 17, 2026 08:56 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
