Parliament on Thursday, July 30, cleared the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, giving the national song
Vande Mataram the same legal protection as the national anthem, Jana Gana Mana.
Lok Sabha passed the Bill today amid uproar. The draft law was approved by Rajya Sabha already.
Key Provisions
Criminal Offence:
The new law makes intentional disrespect, abuse, or disruption of the singing of Vande Mataram punishable under the law.
Punishment:
Violators face imprisonment of up to three years, a fine, or both.
It amends the original Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, which already protected the national flag, the Constitution, and the national anthem.
Protocol:
The law aligns with recent official guidelines stating that Vande Mataram should be sung or played prior to the national anthem at official functions while attendees stand in attention.
In recent past, the BJP tried to present itself as a genuine champion of the song Vande Mataram and its spirit.
Replying to a discussion on the Bill in Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Home, Nityanand Rai said, the amendment in the Bill is not merely a legislative change.
He said, it reflects the collective commitment to the soul of India, national consciousness, cultural heritage, and the ideals of the freedom struggle.
The Minister said, in 1971, through the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, provisions were made to ensure respect for the National Flag, the Constitution, and the National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana.
The deliberate insult of Vande Mataram will be punishable in the same manner as provided under the existing law.
The National Song Vande Mataram was composed in 1875 by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.
The Minister claimed that in 1935, when Jawaharlal Nehru became the President of the Congress, he limited Vande Mataram to only two stanzas.
On the other hand, in 1928, when Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was Congress President, he requested Timir Baran Banerjee to prepare a complete and dignified musical version of the song.
He said, on 15th August 1947, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel had asked Pandit Omkarnath Thakur to render the complete Vande Mataram on All India Radio at 6:30 in the morning, marking the beginning of the first Independence Day.
In some states objections have been raised against the government move to give a special position and legal protection (and protocol) to the Vande Matara song.
The issue was also raised in Nagaland assembly and reportedly, the BJP central leadership has reprimanded its regional partner NPF for allowing its members speak against the National song and constitutional spirit.
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| Blogger in NPF office - Dimapur |
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| Azo : NPF MLA |
Initiating a discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the Governor's Address on March 3, Phek MLA Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu raised objection, stating that the playing of the national song infringed upon the constitutional safeguards under Article 371(A) of the Constitution.
MLA Dr Neisatuo Mero (Independent) said he was taken aback by the playing of “Vande Mataram” on day one of the assembly on March 2 just before the National Anthem.
“I have utmost respect for all the religions in India but Nagaland being a Christian democratic state, I think we should not be compelled or imposed to strictly adhere to this order.”
Another NPF MLA Achumbemo Kikon stated that his party was not agreeable to the practice. “Our tradition teaches tolerance, our philosophy preaches tolerance, our constitution practices tolerance, let us not dilute it,” he said.
Kikon also urged the House to pass an order or resolution stating that the people and elected members of Nagaland are “not in a position to accept this imposition and we will continue to oppose this imposition on us.”
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| Naga CM Rio : Thoughtful 'regionalist' |
NPP MLA Dr Tseilhoutuo Rhutso, representing prestigious Kohima town, also raised concerns over the compulsory singing of ‘Vande Mataram.’ While acknowledging the song's historical importance, he said making it mandatory in a predominantly Christian state raised constitutional and religious concerns.
Incidentally, chief minister Neiphiu Rio is the president of NPF.
Even on other matters, NPF-BJP differences had surfaced lately.
ends
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