Rajya Sabha has taken up the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 for consideration and passing. Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai has moved the bill to further amend the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971. The proposed legislation seeks to give Vande Mataram the same statutory protection as the national anthem, Jana Gana Mana. These offences are punishable with imprisonment up to three years, a fine, or both.
Initiating the discussion, BJP MP Dr Radha Mohan Das Agrawal said that for the past 123 years, Vande Mataram song had been disrespected. He stated that inspired by this song, the revolutionaries of the country made sacrifices for the nation. Mr Agrawal alleged that in 1923, during a Congress session, the then president of the Congress had insulted Vande Mataram.
Golla Baburao of YSRCP requested all the Members of this House to uphold and respect the national song. He expressed his gratitude to the Government for introducing this Bill. Mr Baburao said that Vande Mataram is not just a song, but a source of inspiration that motivated countless freedom fighters to sacrifice their lives for the nation. He said, the spirit generated by this song played a significant role in the country’s struggle for independence. The discussion on the bill is underway.
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