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Amit Shah to Introduce Bill Making Insulting ‘Vande Mataram’ a Criminal Offence
New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to introduce the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 in the Rajya Sabha on Monday, marking one of the key legislative initiatives of the first day of Parliament’s Monsoon Session. The proposed amendment seeks to make intentionally insulting, obstructing, or disrupting the singing of India’s National Song, ‘Vande Mataram’, a criminal offence by extending to it the same statutory protection that currently exists for the National Anthem, ‘Jana Gana Mana’.
The Bill proposes amendments to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, which presently criminalises acts of disrespect towards India’s National Flag, the Constitution, and the National Anthem. At present, the law provides for imprisonment of up to three years, a fine, or both for anyone who intentionally prevents the singing of the National Anthem or causes disturbance during its rendition.
If the proposed legislation is passed by both Houses of Parliament and receives the assent of the President, the same legal provisions will apply to ‘Vande Mataram’. Individuals found intentionally insulting, preventing, disrupting, or causing disturbances during the singing of the National Song, or interrupting gatherings where it is being sung, will face penalties identical to those prescribed for offences involving the National Anthem. The maximum punishment under the amended law would be imprisonment for up to three years, along with a fine or both.
According to the proposed amendment, any deliberate attempt to obstruct the rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’ or disturb a gathering engaged in singing the National Song will be treated as an offence against national honour. The government has stated that the objective of the amendment is to place the National Song on the same statutory footing as the National Anthem, thereby strengthening legal safeguards for one of the country’s most revered national symbols.
Although ‘Vande Mataram’ has been recognised as India’s National Song for decades and occupies a significant place in the country’s freedom movement and national identity, it has not enjoyed the same level of legal protection under the 1971 Act as the National Anthem. The proposed amendment seeks to address this distinction by incorporating the National Song within the ambit of the existing legislation.
The legislative move comes shortly after the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued a directive on July 9, instructing all state governments and Union Territories to ensure strict compliance with the protocol that ‘Vande Mataram’ should be played before ‘Jana Gana Mana’ whenever both are performed during official government functions. The advisory was aimed at ensuring uniformity in official ceremonies and reinforcing respect for both national symbols.
The Bill has been included in the Rajya Sabha’s list of business for Monday and is expected to be introduced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah during the day’s proceedings. Following its introduction, the proposed legislation will undergo parliamentary debate and consideration. If approved by both the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha and subsequently signed into law by the President, the amendment will officially make the intentional insult, obstruction, or disruption of ‘Vande Mataram’ a criminal offence under Indian law.
The proposed amendment reflects the government’s effort to accord equal legal recognition and protection to India’s National Song alongside the National Anthem, underscoring their shared significance as symbols of the nation’s unity, heritage, and constitutional values. (pressmediaofindia.com)
