Insulting 'Vande Mataram' Could Land You In Jail: Amit Shah To Table National Honour Amendment Bill Tomorrow

Published 19 July 2026 · politics

Insulting 'Vande Mataram' Could Land You In Jail: Amit Shah To Table Honour Amendment Bill Tomorrow Published By, Last Updated: July 19, 2026, 19:48 IST

Insulting 'Vande Mataram' Could Land You In Jail: Amit Shah To Table Honour Amendment Bill Tomorrow Published By, Last Updated: July 19, 2026, 19:48 IST If passed, intentionally insulting or obstructing the national song could attract up to three years' imprisonment, a fine, or both. Union Home Minister Amit Shah Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to introduce the Prevention of Insults to Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha during the Monsoon Session of Parliament on Monday. The proposed legislation seeks to extend legal protection to ‘Vande Mataram’, making its intentional insult or obstruction during rendition a punishable offence. The Bill has already received the Union Cabinet’s approval and has been listed for introduction, consideration and passage in the Lower House. Let’s know about this bill What Does The Bill Seek To Do? The amendment proposes changes to the Prevention of Insults to Honour Act, 1971, which currently provides statutory protection to the Flag, the Constitution of India and the Anthem (‘Jana Gana Mana’).

If passed, the Bill would bring ‘Vande Mataram’, India’s national song, under the ambit of the law, placing it on the same legal footing as the Anthem. Under the proposed law, deliberately insulting, disrespecting or obstructing the singing of ‘Vande Mataram’ would become a punishable offence. According to reports, offenders could face up to three years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both, in line with the penalties that already apply to offences involving the Anthem. Why Is The Amendment Being Introduced? The move follows earlier guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs requiring ‘Vande Mataram’ to be played or sung at official functions where the Anthem is performed. The government has argued that the amendment is intended to accord the national song the same statutory respect and legal protection enjoyed by other national symbols. Bill Yet To Become Law The proposed amendment has not yet become law. It must first be passed by both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha before being sent to the President for assent.

If enacted, it would mark the first time ‘Vande Mataram’ receives explicit statutory protection under the Prevention of Insults to Honour Act, 1971. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Key Questions Answered What are the penalties for insulting 'Vande Mataram'? Intentionally insulting or obstructing the national song 'Vande Mataram' could lead to up to three years' imprisonment, a fine, or both, if the Prevention of Insults to Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, is passed. Will this bill affect other national symbols? The proposed Prevention of Insults to Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, aims to provide legal protection to 'Vande Mataram', the national song, similar to that of the national anthem. When could this bill become law? The bill could become law after it is introduced and passed by both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, and then receives the President's assent.