Parliament clears Vande Mataram bill, to be sent to President for assent
The Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, known as the Vande Mataram bill, was passed by the Lok Sabha via voice vote after 14 minutes of debate.
The bill makes obstruction or insult to the national song Vande Mataram a criminal offence, with up to three years' jail and a fine.
The bill was cleared by the Rajya Sabha on July 29 and will now be sent to President Droupadi Murmu for assent.
The legislation extends legal protection to the national song, which currently covers the national flag, national anthem, and Constitution.
The bill was passed amid Opposition disruption, with DMK MPs K Kanimozhi and A Raja, and BJP's Sambit Patra as the only speakers.
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Hindustan Times
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