Source: TH
Context
Union Home Minister Amit Shah introduced the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 in the Rajya Sabha on 20 July 2026 — the first day of the Monsoon Session — to extend to Vande Mataram the same statutory protection currently given to the National Anthem.
About the Bill
What It Is
- An amendment to the parent Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 (Act No. 69 of 1971), which criminalises disrespect toward national symbols — National Flag, National Emblem, Constitution, National Anthem, National Motto, and the map of India.
- The 2026 Bill explicitly expands the scope to include the National Song (Vande Mataram).
- Cabinet approval: May 2026.
Aim
- To plug a long-standing statutory gap — the 1971 Act had no specific penal provision protecting the National Song.
- Fulfils the vision articulated by Constituent Assembly President Dr. Rajendra Prasad on 24 January 1950, that Vande Mataram “shall be honoured equally with Jana Gana Mana and shall have equal status with it.”
- Introduced during the 150th anniversary year of Vande Mataram’s composition.
Key Features
- Substitution of Section 3: Replaces Section 3 of the 1971 Act to place the National Song and National Anthem under the same protective legal umbrella.
- Criminalisation of interference: Makes it a criminal offence to intentionally —
- Prevent the singing of the National Anthem or National Song, or
- Cause disturbance to any assembly engaged in such singing.
- Penalty: Imprisonment up to three years, or fine, or both — the same as for the National Anthem/Flag.
- Historical reference: Cites Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s composition (1875/1876, published in Anandamath, 1882) and its role in inspiring the freedom struggle.
