On 24 July 2026, the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 was introduced in the Rajya Sabha, extending statutory protection available to the National Anthem to the National Song as well.
Key Takeaways:
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The Bill seeks to amend the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.
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The proposed amendment substitutes Section 3 of the Act and extends statutory protection to the National Song in addition to the National Anthem.
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Under the proposed provision, a person who intentionally prevents the singing of the National Anthem or the National Song will be liable for punishment.
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A person who intentionally causes disturbance to an assembly engaged in singing the National Anthem or the National Song will also be punishable.
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A person found guilty under the proposed provision would be punishable with:
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Imprisonment for a term which may extend to 3 years;
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Fine; or
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Both.
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The National Song ‘Vande Mataram’ was composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee. At the Constituent Assembly on 24 January 1950, its President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, declared that the song would be “honoured equally” with the National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana, and accorded equal status with it.1
Also Read: National Symbols: Tussle between Patriotism and varied modes of Expression
[Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, dated 24-7-2026]
