Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026

Why in News?

The Rajya Sabha passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 on 29 July 2026. The Bill amends the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, by extending statutory protection to Vande Mataram, India’s National Song, alongside the National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana. The amendment also introduces a specific offence for intentionally disrupting the singing of Vande Mataram.

About Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026

The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 is an important law that protects India’s national symbols, like the National Flag, the Constitution of India, and the National Anthem. It sets penalties for anyone who insults or disrespects these symbols.

The 2026 Amendment Bill expands this law to include Vande Mataram. Now, if someone prevents the singing of Vande Mataram or disturbs a gathering that is singing it, they can face up to three years in prison, a fine, or both.

This amendment officially includes Vande Mataram in the Act, while still keeping it separate from the National Anthem. It also states that Vande Mataram must be played at official events in State Legislative Assemblies, highlighting its importance during the 150th anniversary celebrations of the song.

The Bill was presented in the Rajya Sabha on 24 July 2026 by Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, and it was approved by voice vote after many opposition members left the meeting.

Related Information

Vande Mataram was composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and first appeared in his novel Anandamath, published in 1882. During India’s freedom struggle, the song became a powerful symbol of patriotism and inspired countless freedom fighters.

The Constituent Assembly, on 24 January 1950, adopted Jana Gana Mana, written by Rabindranath Tagore, as the National Anthem of India. On the same day, it acknowledged the historic and cultural significance of Vande Mataram and accorded it the status of the National Song.

The Fundamental Duties under Article 51A(a) of the Constitution require every citizen to abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag, and the National Anthem. The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act complements this constitutional duty by prescribing penalties for deliberate acts of disrespect towards national symbols.

Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026: Exam Oriented Facts

• Bill: Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
• Parent Law: Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.
• Passed By: Rajya Sabha on 29 July 2026.
• Introduced By: Nityanand Rai, Minister of State for Home Affairs.
• Major Amendment: Extends statutory protection to Vande Mataram.
• Punishment: Up to 3 years’ imprisonment, fine, or both for intentionally preventing or disrupting the singing of Vande Mataram.
• Author of Vande Mataram: Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.
• Source: Novel Anandamath (1882).
• National Anthem: Jana Gana Mana, adopted on 24 January 1950.
• National Song: Vande Mataram (distinct from the National Anthem).
• Related Constitutional Provision: Article 51A(a) – Fundamental Duty to respect the Constitution, National Flag, and National Anthem.
• Parliamentary Procedure: Passed by voice vote in the Rajya Sabha.
• Special Context: Introduced during the 150th anniversary commemorations of Vande Mataram.