President Droupadi Murmu gives assent to Bill making insult to Vande Mataram a crime
The legislation grants Vande Mataram the same status as the national anthem, 'Jana Gana Mana'.
President Droupadi Murmu approved a new law on Tuesday that makes it a crime to intentionally insult or disrupt the singing of Vande Mataram. With her approval, the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 has become enacted legislation. The bill passed both houses of Parliament on July 30 and July 31 respectively.
It is designed to fill the gap in current laws by providing protection for Vande Mataram, recognized as India's national song and a key symbol of the country's fight for independence. The bill mandates that all six stanzas of Vande Mataram will be sung first at official events, with the assembly required to stand at attention. Offenders can face up to three years in prison, fines, or both, with harsher penalties for repeat offenses.
For the first time, Vande Mataram will be sung from the Red Fort's ramparts during Independence Day celebrations on August 15, 2026.
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