Government tables bill to penalise disruption during Vande Mataram rendition

Nityanand Rai, minister of state for home affairs, tabled the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 in the Rajya Sabha on July 24, 2026.

The bill proposes criminal penalties for anyone who deliberately disrupts or prevents the singing of Vande Mataram.

It expands the scope of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 to include acts of intentionally obstructing rendition of the national song.

Opposition MPs John Brittas (CPI-M) and Sanjay Singh (AAP) questioned the constitutional validity, citing potential infringement of fundamental rights under Articles 19, 21, and 25.

BJP MP Sanjay Seth welcomed the bill, arguing that Vande Mataram deserves the same level of public respect as the national anthem.