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Parliament passes new bill, making insulting ‘Vande Mataram’ a punishable offense
Parliament has approved the Prevention of Insults to National Honor (Amendment) Bill, 2026. Following the passage of this bill, insulting ‘Vande Mataram’ will now be considered a punishable offense under the law. The government says the amendment aims to maintain the dignity of symbols and values associated with national honour.
The bill was introduced in the Rajya Sabha on July 24 and passed by the Upper House on July 29. The Lok Sabha also approved it the next day. With its passage by both houses of Parliament, the bill has moved towards becoming a law.
The Government believes that it is the responsibility of every citizen to maintain respect for symbols associated with national honour. For this purpose, by amending the existing law, insulting ‘Vande Mataram’ has also been included in the category of punishable offence.
During the discussion on the bill, issues like national honour, freedom of expression and constitutional obligations were also discussed. The ruling party described it as a step related to national pride, while various parties also expressed their views.
What changes were made in the amendment bill?
The amendment expands the scope of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act. Now, deliberate insult or disrespect of ‘Vande Mataram’ will also be considered punishable under the law.
The government says that this step has been taken with the aim of strengthening the sense of sensitivity and respect towards the symbols associated with national honour. During the discussion in Parliament, many members expressed their views linking the respect for national symbols with democratic values.
After the bill is passed by the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, it will now be sent for further constitutional process. After this, the amended provisions will come into effect when the notification is issued.
This amendment to the law relating to national honours is considered to be one of the important legislative steps passed by Parliament in recent times.
Why was a new law introduced on ‘Vande Mataram’?
According to the government, this amendment has been brought with the aim of maintaining respect towards the symbols associated with national honour. ‘Vande Mataram’ is considered an important symbol of the Indian independence movement and national consciousness. In this background, a proposal was made to give it legal protection.
During the discussion in Parliament, the government said that ensuring respect for national symbols and matters related to national pride is an important part of the democratic system. For this purpose, the existing law was amended and ‘Vande Mataram’ was also included in its scope.
However, various parties also expressed their views on this issue. During the discussion, aspects related to national honour and constitutional rights were also considered in detail.
How was the bill passed in Parliament?
The amendment bill was introduced in the Rajya Sabha on July 24. After discussion in the House, it was approved on July 29. The Lok Sabha also passed the bill the following day.
After getting approval from both the Houses, the Bill completed the important stage of the parliamentary process. Now it will be notified after completion of further constitutional process.
During the debate in Parliament, the need for laws related to national honour and their impact were also discussed. The ruling party described it as a step related to protecting national pride.
What impact could this amendment have?
Experts believe that after the implementation of the new amendment, there will be a clear basis for legal action in cases related to insult to ‘Vande Mataram’. This will widen the scope of provisions related to national honours.
The government says the move is aimed at strengthening the sense of respect for national symbols among citizens. At the same time, after the implementation of the law, action in the related cases will be taken as per the amended provisions.
At present, the bill has been passed by Parliament. This amendment will come into effect after completion of the further constitutional process and issuance of a notification.
