New Delhi, August 11, 2026 : President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday gave her assent to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, bringing into law provisions that criminalise the intentional disruption or prevention of the singing of ‘Vande Mataram’, the national song.
The new law accords ‘Vande Mataram’ the same legal protection as the national anthem ‘Jana Gana Mana’, marking a significant change in the legal framework governing respect for the country’s national symbols.
Bill Clears Parliament
The legislation was passed by the Rajya Sabha on July 29, 2026, followed by approval from the Lok Sabha on July 30, 2026. With the President’s assent, it has now become law.
The amendment expands the scope of the existing Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act. Previously, the law specifically prohibited intentionally preventing the singing of the national anthem or causing disturbance to an assembly engaged in singing it. Similar statutory protection was not expressly provided for the national song.
Under the amended provisions, intentionally preventing the singing of ‘Vande Mataram’ or causing disturbance to an assembly engaged in its singing will constitute an offence.
Equal Status With National Anthem
The legislation notes the historic significance of ‘Vande Mataram’, composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, and its role in India’s freedom struggle.
It also refers to the statement made by Dr Rajendra Prasad, President of the Constituent Assembly, on January 24, 1950, that ‘Vande Mataram’ would be honoured equally with ‘Jana Gana Mana’ and accorded equal status.
Vande Mataram at Red Fort on Independence Day
The Union Home Ministry has also announced that, for the first time, ‘Vande Mataram’ will be sung from the ramparts of the Red Fort during the Independence Day function.
Earlier this year, the Home Ministry issued detailed protocols concerning the singing of the national song. The guidelines specify that when both the national song and national anthem are sung or played together, ‘Vande Mataram’ will come first.
The prescribed six stanzas have a duration of approximately 3 minutes and 10 seconds and are to be performed at specified official functions, including occasions involving the President, Governors, flag unfurling and official addresses.
Schools Also Covered
The Home Ministry’s protocol further states that assemblies where the national song is sung should stand in attention. It also directs that in schools, the day’s work should begin with community singing of the national song.
The new legislation, coupled with the government’s protocols, places ‘Vande Mataram’ on a stronger formal and legal footing alongside the national anthem, reinforcing its historic and national significance.
