The Economic Times

Parliament clears Vande Mataram Bill; national song gets same legal protection as anthem

Parliament has passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026. The Lok Sabha cleared the legislation after the Rajya Sabha approved it. This bill extends statutory protection to the National Song, Vande Mataram. Deliberate insult or disruption of its singing will now be a criminal offense. The amended act penalizes disrespect to national symbols with imprisonment and fines.