The Government of India on July 30, 2026, issued the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
The Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 seeks to expand the scope of Section 3 of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 by extending the same legal protection currently given to the National Anthem (Jana Gana Mana) to the National Song (Vande Mataram). Under the amendment, it becomes an offence to intentionally prevent the singing of the National Song or to disturb any assembly engaged in its singing, just as is already applicable to the National Anthem.
The amendment was proposed to address a legal gap identified in the existing law. While the 1971 Act protected the National Anthem, it did not provide similar statutory protection to Vande Mataram, despite its historic importance. The Statement of Objects and Reasons refers to the Constituent Assembly proceedings of January 24, 1950, where Dr. Rajendra Prasad emphasized that Vande Mataram should be honoured equally with the National Anthem due to its significant role in India’s freedom struggle.
Key provisions of the Bill include the substitution of Section 3 to cover both the National Anthem and the National Song. It penalises acts such as intentionally preventing their singing or causing disturbances during such events. The punishment remains unchanged—imprisonment up to three years, or fine, or both. Additionally, the enhanced penalty under Section 3A (introduced in 2003) continues to apply, meaning repeat offenders will face a mandatory minimum imprisonment of one year.
Overall, the amendment aligns the legal status of Vande Mataram with Jana Gana Mana, reinforcing its symbolic and historical significance while ensuring equal protection under the law.
[Release ID: 2291781]
