Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill

Notes

• The Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, proposes to amend the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.
• The primary objective is to extend statutory protection to the National Song, 'Vande Mataram', which is currently not covered by specific legal provisions regarding insults.
• The amendment seeks to modify Section 3 of the 1971 Act to make intentional prevention of the singing of the National Song or causing disturbance to an assembly engaged in its singing a punishable offence.
• The 1971 Act already provides similar protections for the National Anthem, 'Jana Gana Mana'.
• The legislative move coincides with the 150th-anniversary celebrations of the National Song.
• The Union Home Ministry has previously issued directives to States to ensure the National Song is played or sung at official functions where the National Anthem is rendered.

Part of a longer story

This is day 2 of 16 in Legislative protection for the National Song Vande Mataram, which has been running since 12 July 2026. Reading it whole is usually worth more than reading today alone — the exam asks how something developed.

• MHA directive on Vande Mataram Before
• Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 After
• The whole story 16 entries