Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026: Vande Mataram insult criminalised
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
The Lok Sabha passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, making insults to 'Vande Mataram' a criminal offence. The move sparked sharp criticism from opposition parties, who accused the government of dividing the nation and bulldozing the bill.
Background
The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 originally covered insults to the National Flag, Constitution, and National Anthem. The 2026 amendment adds 'Vande Mataram' to the list of protected national symbols.
Key facts
The Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 was passed in Lok Sabha.
It makes insulting 'Vande Mataram' a criminal offence.
The bill was opposed by many opposition MPs who accused the government of dividing people.
The amendment expands the scope of the original 1971 Act.
The bill's passage in Lok Sabha was marked by sharp divisions between ruling and opposition parties.
Prelims pointers
- Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026
- Vande Mataram
- Lok Sabha
- Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971
Mains angles
- GS2 Polity: Discuss the constitutional validity and implications of criminalising insult to 'Vande Mataram'.
- GS2 Governance: Examine the process of passing such bills and the role of opposition in a democracy.