India moves to criminalise insults to ‘Vande Mataram’ with new bill

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to table the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 in the Rajya Sabha on July 20, the opening day of the Monsoon Session. The amendment would expand the 1971 Act to give the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ the same statutory protection as the national anthem, making intentional insult, disruption or obstruction punishable by up to three years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both.

The government frames the move as a step to honour the song’s historic role in India’s freedom struggle and to mark its 150th anniversary. Opposition voices have varied: Congress MP Manickam Tagore described the proposal as a “misuse of the Home Minister’s office” and an attempt by the RSS to “pressurise” the public. CPI(M) MP John Brittas warned that criminalising the song would replace constitutional patriotism with coercive nationalism, while regional leaders such as TJS chief M. Kodandaram urged a delay and broader scholarly consultation.

Supporters argue that the bill will ensure uniform respect for the national song at official functions, schools and ceremonies, whereas critics fear it could impinge on religious minorities and freedom of expression.