Rajya Sabha approves amendment to protect Vande Mataram like the national anthem

On Wednesday, the Rajya Sabha cleared the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, aiming to give Vande Mataram the same statutory protection as the national anthem. The amendment would make intentional disrespect, prevention of its rendition, or disturbance of a performance punishable by up to three years in jail, a fine, or both, mirroring existing provisions for Jana Gana Mana. During debate, Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai described the measure as reflecting the nation's soul, cultural heritage, and the ideals of the freedom struggle.

Historically, Vande Mataram, composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, was praised by Dr Rajendra Prasad in 1950 as deserving equal honour to the anthem, yet it lacked legal protection until now. The bill still must undergo the remaining constitutional steps, including any further parliamentary approval and the President’s assent, before becoming law.