Archive · 19 Jul 2026
Government to table bill on Vande Mataram protection
The Indian government is planning to introduce a new law called the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
This law aims to give the national song, Vande Mataram, the same legal protection as the national anthem, Jana Gana Mana.
If passed, it will make it a punishable offence to insult or disrupt the singing of Vande Mataram.
The bill is expected to be presented in Parliament on July 20, 2026.
Vande Mataram was written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and became famous during India's fight for independence.
The government wants to give it the same legal protection as the national anthem to honor its historical importance.
The Union government will introduce the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 to extend legal protection to Vande Mataram.
The bill seeks to make insulting or obstructing the singing of Vande Mataram a punishable offence.
If passed, violators could face up to three years' imprisonment, a fine, or both.
The bill is expected to be tabled by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on July 20, 2026.
Vande Mataram was composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and became a rallying cry during India's freedom movement.
- Who
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the Union Government
- What
- Introduction of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026
- When
- July 20, 2026
- Where
- Parliament of India
- Why
- To extend legal protection to Vande Mataram and commemorate its 150th year of national significance
Supporters of the Bill
Critics of the Bill
Legal Protection
Supporters of the Bill
Supporters argue that Vande Mataram should have the same legal protection as the National Anthem to preserve its historical significance and national importance.
Critics of the Bill
Critics contend that extending legal protection to Vande Mataram could lead to misuse of the law and stifle freedom of expression.
Cultural Significance
Supporters of the Bill
Proponents believe the bill reinforces the song's role in India's independence movement and national identity.
Critics of the Bill
Opponents argue that the bill is politically motivated and could create unnecessary divisions among citizens.
- Bill Name
- Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026
- Current Legal Protection
- National Anthem, National Flag, and Constitution of India
- Proposed Legal Protection
- National Song (Vande Mataram)
- Penalty for Offence
- Up to three years' imprisonment, fine, or both
- Historical Significance
- Composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, became a rallying cry during India's freedom movement
- Current Status
- Awaiting tabling in Parliament
- Expected Tabling Date
- July 20, 2026
- Government's Reason
- To commemorate the song's 150th year of national significance and place it on an equal statutory footing with the National Anthem
Sources
Monsoon Session: Vande Mataram Bill may be tabled tomorrow. What may change for the national song?
Government to bring bill in Rajya Sabha to make insult to 'Vande Mataram' criminal offence
Centre To Table Bill To Make "Insult" To 'Vande Mataram' Criminal Offence
