Lok Sabha passes Vande Mataram Bill, clears law to criminalise insults to national song

Parliament on Thursday cleared the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, with the Lok Sabha passing the legislation after a brief debate amid noisy scenes in the House.

The bill seeks to make insulting the national song 'Vande Mataram' a criminal offence, expanding legal protection for one of India's most prominent national symbols.

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The legislation was approved in the Lower House before the Lok Sabha adjourned for the day, completing Parliament's approval after the Rajya Sabha passed the bill on Wednesday. With both Houses clearing the amendment, the legislation now moves to the next stage before becoming law.

What the Vande Mataram Bill proposes

The amendment seeks to bring the national song 'Vande Mataram' under the ambit of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, introducing penal provisions against acts considered insulting or disrespectful towards the song. The government has argued that the move is intended to provide legal protection to a symbol closely associated with India's freedom movement and national identity.

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