Vande Mataram Bill: 5-Year Jail for Insulting National Song

The Centre introduced The Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, in the Rajya Sabha on Friday. Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai proposed the legislation amid loud protests from Opposition benches. The bill aims to criminalise intentional insults to the National Song, Vande Mataram, effectively matching the legal protections currently granted to the National Anthem. It proposes a maximum punishment of five years in prison, a fine, or both for anyone causing disturbance during its singing or preventing others from singing it.

This bill seeks to amend the existing Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971. Left-wing MPs, including CPI(M)’s John Brittas, opposed the move by citing Constituent Assembly debates. Brittas argued that the framers of the Constitution intentionally kept the National Song and National Anthem on different legal footings. Despite these objections, the House allowed the bill's introduction following a voice vote. The government maintains that the National Song deserves equal statutory protection to uphold national dignity and honor.

The legislative activity occurred against a backdrop of total parliamentary deadlock over the NEET paper leak scandal. Opposition members, led by Rahul Gandhi, continued to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The first week of the Monsoon Session ended with minimal business as both Houses faced frequent adjournments. While Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju invited discussions on exam irregularities, the Opposition insisted on administrative accountability before engaging in debate. Proceedings are now scheduled to resume on Monday with high tension expected.