The Central Government has taken a key decision regarding the national song, Vande Mataram. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to introduce a new bill aimed at granting Vande Mataram the same level of legal protection and respect currently accorded to Jana Gana Mana. On the very first day of Parliament’s monsoon session beginning today, he will table the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Bill, 2026, in the Rajya Sabha.
These amendments will be made to the existing Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971. Until now, this law has provided protection only to the national flag, the constitution, and the national anthem. Currently, anyone who prevents someone from singing the national anthem, or deliberately causes a disturbance while it is being sung, can face imprisonment of up to three years. Vande Mataram is now being included under the same provisions. This means that deliberately insulting it, preventing it from being sung, or causing any disruption or disturbance during that time will be treated as an offense. Those found engaging in such acts could face a maximum prison sentence of up to three years.
A few days before bringing this bill, on July 9, the Union Home Ministry had already issued key directives to all states. Those orders specified that whenever both Vande Mataram and Jana Gana Mana are sung at official government events, Vande Mataram should be sung first. This bill will now grant the national song greater legal status. Once approved by both houses of Parliament and signed by the President, this amendment will come into force. The government believes this will further enhance respect for the national song.