Amendment Makes Intentional Disruption or Insult to the National Song a Punishable Offence
Summary
President Droupadi Murmu has given her assent to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, bringing into force new legal provisions aimed at protecting India’s national song, Vande Mataram. The amendment extends statutory penal protection to the national song, placing it on a legal footing comparable to the national anthem, Jana Gana Mana.
The legislation makes intentional disruption of the singing of Vande Mataram, or deliberately preventing an assembly from singing it, a punishable offence. The move comes after both Houses of Parliament approved the legislation last month.
President Gives Formal Assent
President Murmu approved the legislation on Tuesday, completing the parliamentary process and turning the amendment into law.
The Lok Sabha passed the Bill on July 30, while the Rajya Sabha approved it a day earlier. With presidential assent, the provisions are now legally enforceable.
The government has described the legislation as an effort to strengthen respect for Vande Mataram and formally recognise its significance as India’s national song.
Vande Mataram Receives Equal Legal Protection
Under the amended law, intentional insults directed at Vande Mataram, as well as deliberate disruption or prevention of its singing, can attract criminal penalties.
The provisions extend protections already contained in the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, which previously focused on protecting the national anthem and certain national symbols.
Offences covered by the legislation can carry imprisonment of up to three years, a fine, or both. Repeat convictions can attract a minimum prison term of one year.
New Protocol for Official Functions
The legislation also comes alongside a new protocol governing the performance of Vande Mataram at official functions.
The government has said the national song will be sung in full at designated official events, with the intention of giving it greater prominence in national ceremonies.
For the first time, Vande Mataram is also scheduled to be sung from the ramparts of the Red Fort during the Independence Day celebrations.
Political Debate Intensifies
The new law has also generated political debate. Congress leader Shashi Tharoor questioned the practical implications of requiring the full rendition of Vande Mataram at official events, arguing that the extended duration could make it difficult for audiences to maintain attention and respect.
Supporters of the legislation, however, say the law strengthens national symbols and reinforces the historical importance of Vande Mataram in India’s freedom struggle.
Government Defends Move
The Centre has maintained that the amendment is intended to promote respect for the national song rather than interfere with legitimate expression. By giving Vande Mataram statutory protection, the government says it is recognising its place in India’s national heritage.
The legislation also establishes clearer legal consequences for deliberate acts intended to insult or disrupt the national song.
Conclusion
President Droupadi Murmu’s assent has officially brought the Vande Mataram amendment into force, giving India’s national song stronger legal protection. The new provisions make intentional disruption or prevention of its singing a criminal offence, with penalties that can include imprisonment and fines. While the government sees the move as strengthening national honour and respect, the legislation has also sparked debate over how the new requirements should be implemented at official functions.