Amid ruckus, Bill to punish insult to National Song introduced in Rajya Sabha
The Indian government introduced the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, in the Rajya Sabha to criminalize insults against the National Song, Vande Mataram. Opposition MPs challenged the bill on constitutional grounds, arguing it contradicts the intent of the Constituent Assembly.
Why it matters
The bill represents a significant legislative effort to expand the legal protections of national symbols, sparking debate over constitutional interpretation and legislative overreach.
Amid disruptions over the police action on students protesting against paper leaks , the Union Home Ministry introduced the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, in the Rajya Sabha on Friday (July 24, 2026), to punish any insult to the National Song , Vande Mataram .
The objections raised by Left MPs against the introduction of the Bill were defeated by a voice vote.
The Bill, which proposes to amend the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, extends the punishment for acts of disrespect towards national symbols such as the National Flag, the Constitution, and the National Anthem, to Vande Mataram too.
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