- On July 29, 2026, the Rajya Sabha passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, thereby extending legal protection to the national song ‘Vande Mataram’.
- Following this amendment, intentionally obstructing the singing of ‘Vande Mataram’ or creating a disturbance during its rendition will be considered a punishable offense.
- This amendment has been made to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.
- Previously, the Act covered only the protection of the honour of the national flag, the Constitution, and the national anthem; however, its scope has now been expanded to include the national song ‘Vande Mataram’.
- Under the amended law, any person who intentionally prevents or obstructs the singing of ‘Vande Mataram’, or causes a disturbance during its rendition at a public gathering, faces a penalty of imprisonment for up to three years, a fine, or both.
- The objective of this change is to provide greater legal protection for the honour of national symbols.
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Law & Justice
