New Delhi (Gurpreet Singh): Parliament officially approved the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, on Thursday, elevating the national song Vande Mataram to a legal status on par with the national anthem, Jana Gana Mana. The Lok Sabha cleared the legislation via a voice vote amid persistent disruptions and sloganeering from the Opposition, one day after the bill received approval in the Rajya Sabha. Once the bill receives assent from President Droupadi Murmu, any intentional act of preventing the singing of Vande Mataram or causing disturbances during its performance will become a criminal offence.
Under the provisions of the amended Act, offenders face penalties including imprisonment of up to three years, a fine, or both. For repeat convictions, the law mandates a minimum imprisonment of one year. Minister of State for Home Nityananda Rai defended the legislation in the Lower House, asserting that the government is finally according the national song the respect it has long been denied. He emphasized that the full six stanzas of the song are essential for fostering a sense of national unity under the “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” initiative.
The passage of the bill sparked sharp disagreement within the chamber. Opposition members, led by the DMK, vocally opposed the move, labeling it a “Hindutva agenda” disguised as nationalism. DMK MP K. Kanimozhi argued that the legislation undermines India’s federal and secular character, claiming that imposing the singing of all six stanzas is an attempt to polarize the nation. During the proceedings, DMK member A. Raja protested by tearing and throwing documents toward the Well of the House.
The legislative session, which has been characterized by frequent adjournments due to ongoing Opposition protests regarding the NEET-UG 2026 examination paper leak, saw the House suspended three times throughout the day before the bill could be taken up. Despite the walkouts and disruptions, the Treasury benches moved forward with the legislation, marking it as the first bill to be successfully passed by both Houses during the current monsoon session. The debate concluded with BJP member Sambit Patra reiterating that the bill corrects historical neglect, after which the House was adjourned for the day.
