You Could Be Jailed For Insulting Or Disrupting Vande Mataram: Centre Plans Bill In Monsoon Session

Published 17 July 2026 · india

You Could Be Jailed For Insulting Or Disrupting Vande Mataram: Centre Plans Bill In Monsoon Session Published By, Last Updated: July 17, 2026, 07:52 IST

You Could Be Jailed For Insulting Or Disrupting Vande Mataram: Centre Plans Bill In Monsoon Session Published By, Last Updated: July 17, 2026, 07:52 IST The government is expected to introduce the Prevention of Insults to Honour (Amendment) Bill during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, which begins on July 20 Rapid Read The amendment proposes to extend the existing provisions to Vande Mataram. (PTI) The Centre is preparing to give Vande Mataram, India’s Song, the same legal protection currently enjoyed by the Anthem. The Union Cabinet has cleared a proposal to amend the Prevention of Insults to Honour Act, 1971, paving the way for a law that would make insulting or deliberately obstructing the singing of Vande Mataram a punishable offence. The government is expected to introduce the Prevention of Insults to Honour (Amendment) Bill during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, which begins on July 20. If passed by Parliament, the amendment would mark the first time Vande Mataram receives explicit statutory protection under Indian law. What Is The Proposed Bill? The proposed amendment seeks to expand the scope of the Prevention of Insults to Honour Act, 1971, which currently protects the Flag, the Constitution of India, and the Anthem, Jana Gana Mana. Under the existing law, intentionally preventing the singing of the Anthem or causing disturbances during its rendition is punishable with imprisonment of up to three years, a fine, or both.

The amendment proposes to extend these provisions to Vande Mataram. This means anyone found guilty of intentionally insulting the Song or deliberately preventing or disrupting its singing could face the same punishment – up to three years in jail, a fine, or both. The Bill has not yet become law. It must first be introduced, debated and passed by both Houses of Parliament before receiving the President’s assent. Why Is The Government Bringing This Bill Now? The proposed legislation comes amid a broader push by the Centre to promote Vande Mataram as a symbol of national pride and to commemorate its historic legacy. Earlier this year, the government announced a nationwide campaign to mark 150 years of Vande Mataram, recognising its contribution to India’s freedom movement. Ministries, educational institutions and government bodies have been encouraged to organise cultural programmes, discussions and public events highlighting the song’s role in inspiring the independence struggle. The Centre has also urged wider public participation in singing Vande Mataram during official functions and commemorative events as part of these celebrations. The proposed amendment is being seen as another step in this larger effort to accord the Song greater recognition and legal protection. Why Is Vande Mataram Important? Written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in the 1870s and published in his novel Anandamath in 1882, Vande Mataram became one of the most powerful rallying cries during India’s freedom movement.