3 weeks ago
President Signs Law Penalising Obstruction of Vande Mataram Singing
India has a special song called the national song, which is named Vande Mataram, and another special song called the national anthem.
There is a rule that people should not be stopped from singing these songs.
A new law has now been signed by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, to make sure nobody disturbs people who are singing them.
Before this new law, only the national anthem was protected by this rule.
Now the national song is protected too, and both are treated the same way.
If someone tries to stop the singing or causes trouble during it, they could be sent to jail for up to three years or have to pay a fine.
Both parts of India's Parliament voted for this change during the Monsoon session.
The law was passed on July 29 and 30, 2026.
This change makes the national song just as important as the national anthem.
President Droupadi Murmu granted assent to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Act, 2026.
The amendment extends penal protection to the National Song Vande Mataram alongside the National Anthem.
Intentionally preventing the singing of either song, or disturbing an assembly engaged in such singing, is now punishable.
Offenders face imprisonment of up to three years, or a fine, or both.
The bill was introduced in the Rajya Sabha on July 24, 2026, and passed by both Houses on July 29 and 30.
- Who
- President Droupadi Murmu granted assent; the bill was introduced by the Ministry of Home Affairs and passed by both Houses of Parliament.
- What
- The Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Act, 2026, which penalises intentionally preventing or disturbing the singing of the National Song Vande Mataram and the National Anthem.
- Where
- India (New Delhi).
- When
- July 2026; the bill was introduced on July 24 and passed by both Houses on July 29-30, 2026.
- Why
- To extend the same statutory protection to the National Song that previously applied only to the National Anthem.
Key facts
- Act
- Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Act, 2026
- Original Law
- Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971
- Maximum Penalty
- Imprisonment up to three years, or a fine, or both
- Bill Introduced
- July 24, 2026, in the Rajya Sabha
- Passed by Parliament
- July 29-30, 2026 (both Houses)
- Introduced By
- Ministry of Home Affairs
- Scope
- National Anthem and National Song (Vande Mataram)
- Presidential Assent
- Granted by President Droupadi Murmu










