Rajya Sabha Passes Bill Making Insults to Vande Mataram a Criminal Offence
The legislation was cleared amid Opposition protests and a walkout over the absence of the Union Home Minister during the debate.
New Delhi: The Rajya Sabha on Wednesday passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Amendment Bill, 2026, which makes insulting the national song Vande Mataram a criminal offence punishable by up to three years in prison.
The Bill was approved amid noisy scenes in the House as Opposition members protested the absence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah during the discussion. Following repeated demands for his presence, Opposition parties staged a walkout while the debate was underway.
The House had earlier witnessed two adjournments before reconvening in the afternoon. Deputy Chairman Harivansh appealed to members to maintain order as the Bill was taken up for consideration and passage. Despite continued sloganeering, the proceedings went ahead.
Opposition members also sought a response from the Home Minister over the alleged police action against demonstrators protesting the NEET paper leak issue in the national capital. Their protests continued until they walked out while Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale was speaking.
Replying to the debate, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai accused the Congress of engaging in appeasement politics and criticised the party for opposing the legislation. He said Vande Mataram holds a special place in India’s freedom movement, noting that many freedom fighters had chanted the song before sacrificing their lives. Rai added that respecting the national song was important for the vision of a united and strong India.
The amendment extends the same legal protection currently available to the national anthem Jana Gana Mana, the national flag, and the Constitution to Vande Mataram. Under the new law, acts of desecration or deliberate disrespect towards these national symbols can attract imprisonment of up to three years.
The Bill was introduced in the Rajya Sabha on July 24 as part of the commemorations marking the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram.