Parliament on Thursday passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, after the Lok Sabha approved the legislation following its passage in the Rajya Sabha. The amendment extends the provisions of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, to the national song Vande Mataram, making intentional insults to the song a punishable offence. The existing law already provides penalties for intentionally preventing the singing of the national anthem or causing disturbances during its rendition.
Replying to the debate in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai said the amendment would place Vande Mataram on par with the national anthem Jana Gana Mana. He said the government was giving the national song the respect it deserved and called for the complete rendition of all six stanzas of Vande Mataram. The bill was passed by a voice vote after amendments moved by Opposition members were rejected.
During the debate, DMK MP K Kanimozhi opposed the bill, describing it as a measure that went against federalism and secularism. BJP MP Sambit Patra said Vande Mataram had not received the respect it deserved during previous governments. The Lok Sabha witnessed sloganeering following the passage of the bill before the House was adjourned for the day.