Archive · 31 Jul 2026
India Amends Law Criminalizing Insults to National Symbols
India made a new law that says if you insult the national anthem, flag, or Constitution, you could go to jail for up to three years.
The old law from 1971 had been used a lot, but most people who were arrested were not found guilty.
Some people think the new law is too strict and could be used to punish people who disagree with the government.
The law was passed by the Indian Parliament in 2026.
It shows how the government wants to protect national symbols, but it also raises worries about fairness.
Parliament passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, making insults to Vande Mataram punishable by up to three years' imprisonment.
The 1971 Act led to 1,102 arrests between 2014‑2024 but only 60 convictions, with many pending cases.
The amendment expands criminal liability for national symbols, including the national anthem, flag, and Constitution.
Critics argue the law is superfluous and risks misuse by the prosecutorial system.
The amendment reflects a political moment but may deepen concerns over weaponising the justice system.
- Who
- Indian Parliament
- What
- Amended the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act to criminalise insults to national symbols
- When
- December 23, 1971 (original act); amendment passed in 2026
- Where
- India
- Why
- To enforce respect for national symbols, though critics say it is unnecessary and risky
- Act
- Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026
- Punishment
- up to 3 years imprisonment
- Arrests (2014-2024)
- 1,102
- Convictions (2014-2024)
- 60
- Pending cases
- 221
- Country
- India