India Proposes Bill Criminalizing Insults to Vande Mataram

Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai introduced the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, in the Rajya Sabha on July 24. Tabled on behalf of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the legislation seeks to amend the 1971 Act to provide the national song, Vande Mataram, the same legal protections as the national anthem and national flag. The amendment would make the intentional obstruction or insult of the song a criminal offense punishable by up to three years in prison, coinciding with the song's 150th anniversary.

The introduction triggered immediate uproar and sloganeering from Opposition members, including the CPI and CPI(M). Lawmakers argued the bill is unconstitutional and claimed the government is using it to manufacture patriotism and divert public attention from the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak scandal. Opposition members further demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Due to the unrest, Deputy Chairman Harvansh Singh adjourned the Rajya Sabha, and subsequent disruptions led to the adjournment of both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha until Monday. In response to the protests, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stated the government is ready to discuss the NEET issue, noting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised strict legislation against paper leaks.