Parliament Passes Vande Mataram Bill, Sent for Presidential Assent
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
The Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which elevates the national song to the same status as the national anthem, has been passed by both houses of Parliament. It is now set to receive the President's assent, making it a law. The bill criminalizes insult or obstruction to the national song, with penalties including up to three years in jail and a fine.
Background
The bill comes amid the 150th year of Vande Mataram. Earlier, the Centre made the rendition of all six stanzas of the song mandatory, whereas the practice was to sing only the first two stanzas, which were adopted as the national song in 1950. The existing law already protects the national flag, the national anthem, and the Constitution from insult.
Key facts
The Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, was passed by the Lok Sabha on July 31, 2026, via voice vote after a 14-minute debate.
The Rajya Sabha cleared the bill on July 29, 2026.
The bill will now be sent to President Droupadi Murmu for assent.
It makes any obstruction or insult to the national song a criminal offence, with a jail term of up to three years and a fine.
Only three MPs spoke during the debate: K Kanimozhi (DMK), A Raja (DMK), and Sambit Patra (BJP).
The bill was passed amid heavy disruption by the Opposition.
The law currently protects the national flag, the national anthem, and the Constitution.
The move coincides with the 150th year of Vande Mataram.
The Centre had earlier made the rendition of all six stanzas of the song mandatory.
Opposition leaders called the bill a 'Hindutva agenda' and against federalism and secularism.
Prelims pointers
- Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026
- Vande Mataram - national song, adopted in 1950 (first two stanzas)
- National anthem - Jana Gana Mana
- President Droupadi Murmu
- Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha
- Voice vote
- 150th year of Vande Mataram (2026)
- Sections under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971
Mains angles
- Discuss the significance of national symbols in fostering patriotism and the need for legal protection.
- Critically examine the arguments for and against the bill, including concerns about federalism and secularism.
- Analyze the legislative process, especially the passage of bills amid disruptions, and its impact on parliamentary democracy.