New Delhi: The Rajya Sabha on Wednesday passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, extending legal protection to ‘Vande Mataram’, India’s National Song, and making its wilful insult a criminal offence punishable with imprisonment of up to three years.

With the passage of the amendment, Vande Mataram has been brought under the same legal framework that already protects the National Flag and the National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana. The government described the move as a significant step towards safeguarding national symbols associated with India’s freedom struggle and preserving their dignity.

Under the amended law, any deliberate act of insulting Vande Mataram, disrupting its rendition, or engaging in conduct deemed disrespectful towards the National Song will constitute a criminal offence. Those found guilty may face prosecution and, upon conviction, imprisonment of up to three years along with other penalties prescribed under the law.

Until now, the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act provided statutory protection to the National Flag, the Constitution of India and the National Anthem, but did not explicitly include Vande Mataram. The amendment brings the National Song within the ambit of the legislation, enabling legal action against acts of intentional disrespect.

*Opposition Stages Walkout*

The legislation was passed amid noisy scenes in the Upper House. Opposition members demanded that Union Home Minister Amit Shah make a statement on the alleged use of force by the Delhi Police against students protesting over the NEET examination paper leak issue. Their protests disrupted proceedings for some time.

After the government did not immediately respond to the demand, Opposition parties staged a walkout. The Bill was subsequently passed by the Rajya Sabha in their absence.

At the same time, the Lok Sabha was debating the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026. The discussion witnessed sharp exchanges between the Treasury and Opposition benches over examination paper leaks, student protests and transparency in the education system.

Amid repeated disruptions and heated exchanges, the Bill was also passed by the Lok Sabha.