📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs
Politics
Rajya Sabha Passes Bill Making Vande Mataram Insult a Criminal Offence
✍️ NDTV
🗓 29 Jul 2026, 04:41 PM
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The upper house approved a bill that will treat insults to Vande Mataram as a criminal offence, giving the song the same legal protection as the national anthem.
The Rajya Sabha approved a bill on July 24 that classifies any insult to the song Vande Mataram as a criminal offence. The legislation mirrors the protection already afforded to the national anthem, Jana Gana Mana, by making violations punishable under the law.
Under the proposed law, individuals who deliberately insult or defame Vande Mataram could face fines or imprisonment, depending on the severity of the act. The bill also stipulates that the offence is punishable irrespective of the medium or platform used.
The government argues that the measure is necessary to safeguard India’s cultural heritage and to prevent disrespect towards a song that has played a significant role in the country’s history. The bill is seen as a step towards reinforcing national pride.
After passing the upper house, the bill will be forwarded to the Lok Sabha for consideration and possible enactment into law.
Under the proposed law, individuals who deliberately insult or defame Vande Mataram could face fines or imprisonment, depending on the severity of the act. The bill also stipulates that the offence is punishable irrespective of the medium or platform used.
The government argues that the measure is necessary to safeguard India’s cultural heritage and to prevent disrespect towards a song that has played a significant role in the country’s history. The bill is seen as a step towards reinforcing national pride.
After passing the upper house, the bill will be forwarded to the Lok Sabha for consideration and possible enactment into law.