Vande Mataram bill tabled in Rajya Sabha: Centre seeks statutory protection to the National Song

Union MoS, Home Affairs Nityanand Rai introduced the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, in the Rajya Sabha, seeking to extend legal protection to Vande Mataram. The proposed amendment aims to bring intentional obstruction of the national song’s singing and acts amounting to insult within the ambit of criminal law. The move comes during the 150th anniversary commemorations of Vande Mataram and seeks to expand the existing legal framework that protects national symbols, including the national anthem, Constitution and national flag.