The Bill amends the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 to extend the same statutory protection to the National Song, Vande Mataram, as is currently granted to the National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana.
About National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026
- Reasons for the Amendment: To fulfil the Constituent Assembly's vision and address the absence of legal protection for Vande Mataram under the 1971 Act.
- Key Amendments of the Bill
- Expanded Scope: Section 3 of 1971 Act now extends statutory protection to both National Anthem and National Song.
- Prohibited Offences: Preventing singing or disturbing assembly during National Anthem or National Song.
- Penalty: Imprisonment up to 3 years, or fine, or both.
- Repeat Offenders (Section 3A): Extends mandatory 1-year minimum prison term to repeat offenders disrupting Vande Mataram.
About the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971
- Enactment: 1971; extends to the whole of India.
- Protection: Safeguards the National Flag, Constitution of India, and National Anthem.
- Section 2: Penalises public insult to the National Flag or Constitution of India (burning, defacing, mutilating, trampling, etc.) with up to 3 years' imprisonment, fine, or both.
- Exception: Bonafide criticism or lawful amendment proposals are exempt.
