Centre to introduce bill making insult or disruption of 'Vande Mataram' a punishable offence

The Central government is set to introduce the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 during the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament, aiming to make insulting or deliberately disrupting the singing of 'Vande Mataram' a punishable offence.

The proposed legislation has already received Union Cabinet approval and is scheduled to be introduced in the Lok Sabha when the session begins on July 20.

At present, the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 provides legal protection for the National Anthem, National Flag and the Constitution. The amendment seeks to extend similar legal protection to 'Vande Mataram', India's national song, by making intentional acts of insult or obstruction during its rendition an offence under the law.

The move follows earlier government guidelines encouraging the singing or playing of the national song at official functions alongside the National Anthem.

The Bill is expected to be taken up for discussion during the Monsoon Session along with several other legislative proposals. If passed by Parliament, it will strengthen the legal framework governing respect for national symbols and songs while prescribing penalties for violations.