Archive · 31 Jul 2026
Bill Makes Insult to Vande Mataram a Criminal Offence
India’s Parliament passed a new law that says it is a crime to insult the national song Vande Mataram.
The law gives the song the same protection as the national anthem.
It was passed quickly by a voice vote, but some MPs protested.
The bill will be sent to the President for approval.
If signed, it will punish people who insult or stop the song from being sung.
Parliament passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, criminalising insults to Vande Mataram.
The bill extends the 1971 law that protects the national anthem, flag, and constitution to include the national song, with penalties up to three years imprisonment or a fine.
The Lok Sabha cleared the bill by voice vote amid opposition protests and a brief debate involving only three MPs.
Opposition MP K. Kanimozhi called the bill a “Hindutva agenda” and warned it could polarise the country.
The legislation will be sent to President Droupadi Murmu for assent and will take effect once signed.
- Who
- Members of Parliament, including Minister of State for Home Nityananda Rai, DMK MP K. Kanimozhi, BJP MP Sambit Patra, and A. Raja
- What
- A bill making insults to the national song Vande Mataram a criminal offence
- When
- 30 July 2024
- Where
- Lok Sabha, New Delhi
- Why
- To give Vande Mataram the same statutory protection as the national anthem and promote national pride
- Bill name
- Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026
- Status
- Passed by Lok Sabha, awaiting presidential assent
- Penalties
- Up to 3 years imprisonment, fine, or both
- Date passed
- 30 July 2024
- President
- Droupadi Murmu
Sources
Parl passes bill making insult to Vande Mataram punishable offence; LS sees brief debate amid din
Parliament clears Bill that seeks to give Vande Mataram the same statutory protection as National Anthem
Lok Sabha Clears Bill Criminalising Insult to Vande Mataram
Vande Mataram Bill cleared in LS, insulting national song to become criminal offence
Lok Sabha passes bill criminalising insults to ‘Vande Mataram’ day after Rajya Sabha approval
Parliament Passes Bill That Makes Insult to Vande Mataram Criminal Offence
Parliament clears Vande Mataram Bill, makes insult to National Song a criminal offence