Archive · 20 Jul 2026
India to Protect Vande Mataram with New Bill
The Indian government is introducing a new bill to protect the national song, Vande Mataram, from being disrupted or insulted.
Currently, only the national anthem has this protection.
The bill aims to punish anyone who stops or disturbs the singing of Vande Mataram with up to three years in prison.
Some Muslim groups and Left parties are against this bill, saying it goes against their religious beliefs and freedom.
They argue that the song includes references to Hindu gods, which they find unacceptable.
However, the government says the bill is not about forcing anyone to sing but about protecting the song from being disrupted.
A tragic example of why this protection is important is the murder of Chandan Gupta in 2018.
He was killed during a patriotic procession when a mob attacked him for singing Vande Mataram and carrying the Indian flag.
The bill is seen as a way to prevent such violence and ensure that national symbols are respected.
The Indian government is introducing the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, to provide statutory protection to Vande Mataram, the national song.
The bill proposes up to three years of imprisonment for anyone who intentionally prevents or disrupts the singing of Vande Mataram, with a minimum one-year sentence for repeat offenses.
Islamist organisations and Left parties oppose the bill, arguing it infringes on religious freedom and imposes a Hindu-centric national identity.
The government and supporters argue that the bill protects national symbols from disruption and does not compel anyone to sing, only prevents obstruction.
The bill follows historical recognition of Vande Mataram as equal to the national anthem and incidents like the murder of Chandan Gupta during a patriotic procession in 2018.
- Who
- Government of India, Islamist organisations, Left parties, and opposition leaders
- What
- Introduction of a bill to provide statutory protection to Vande Mataram, the national song
- When
- Monsoon Session of Parliament beginning 20th July
- Where
- India
- Why
- To prevent disruption and protect the national song from insult, following historical recognition and incidents of violence
Islamist and Left Opposition
Government and Supporters
Religious Freedom vs. National Symbols
Islamist and Left Opposition
Islamist organisations and Left parties argue that the bill infringes on religious freedom, particularly for Muslims, due to references to Hindu deities in Vande Mataram.
Government and Supporters
The government and supporters contend that the bill protects national symbols from disruption and does not compel anyone to sing, only prevents obstruction.
Historical and Cultural Significance
Islamist and Left Opposition
Opponents claim the bill is a politically motivated attempt to impose a Hindu-centric national identity.
Government and Supporters
Supporters argue that Vande Mataram, like the national anthem, should have equal legal protection due to its historical role in India's freedom struggle.
- Bill Name
- Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026
- Current Protection
- National Anthem
- Proposed Protection
- National Song (Vande Mataram)
- Penalty for Disruption
- Up to 3 years imprisonment, fine, or both
- Repeat Offense Penalty
- Minimum 1 year imprisonment
- Introduction in Parliament
- Monsoon Session beginning 20th July
- Historical Context
- Vande Mataram declared equal to Jana Gana Mana by Constituent Assembly in 1950
- Notable Incident
- Murder of Chandan Gupta in Kasganj during a Tiranga Yatra in 2018