Rajya Sabha passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026

¨     Rajya Sabha passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 on 29 July 2026.

¨     The Bill amends the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.

¨     It extends legal protection to the National Song, Vande Mataram, alongside the National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana.

¨     The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 is a central law dealing with disrespect to the National Flag, the Constitution, and the National Anthem.

¨     The amendment brings Vande Mataram under the legal protection of the Act.

¨     Any person who intentionally prevents the singing of Vande Mataram or disrupts an assembly during its singing may face imprisonment of up to three years, a fine, or both.

¨     The Bill grants Vande Mataram the same statutory legal recognition as Jana Gana Mana under the Act.

¨     The Bill was introduced in the Rajya Sabha on 24 July 2026 by Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai.

¨  It was passed by voice vote after a walkout by most Opposition members during the proceedings.