Rajya Sabha passes Bill criminalising insults to ‘Vande Mataram’

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New Delhi, July 29

Amid continuing opposition protests over the police response to the NEET student demonstrations, the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday passed a bill that makes deliberate insults to Vande Mataram a criminal offence, bringing an end to more than a week of legislative deadlock.  The Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 was approved amid loud protests in the Upper House with opposition members raising objections before walking out as the discussion began.

If it becomes law, the amendment will extend to Vande Mataram the same statutory protection already available to the national anthem. Those found guilty of deliberately insulting the national song could face criminal penalties under the amended legislation.

Commenting on the bill,  BJP MP Ashok Mittal defended the legislation, saying opposition to the bill overlooked the historical significance of the song and its composer. He argued that Vande Mataram deserved legal protection because of its role in inspiring generations during the freedom movement.

Reacting after the bill’s passage, BJP’s National Information and Technology Department chief Amit Malviya said Parliament had “corrected a historic wrong”. He argued that although Vande Mataram inspired countless freedom fighters, its public use had been limited before Independence following political compromises. He said the new law restores the respect the song deserves by placing it on the same legal footing as the national anthem.

BJP MP Dharmshila Gupta  welcomed the legislation, saying Vande Mataram represented the spirit of India’s freedom struggle and held deep emotional significance for millions of people. She criticised the opposition for repeatedly disrupting proceedings, which delayed the bill’s passage.

Opposition parties, led by the Congress, objected to the manner in which the House resumed legislative business and staged a walkout during the debate. They did not participate in the bill’s passage.