National Honour Amendment Bill 2026: Vande Mataram Protection
Why in the news
On opening day of the Monsoon Session, a Bill was tabled to give the National Song the same legal cover as the National Anthem.
Key facts
- Law amended: the 1971 national honour statute, which shields the Flag, Emblem, Constitution, Anthem, Motto and India’s map.
- Gap: no specific penalty existed for insulting the National Song.
- Cabinet clearance: May 2026.
- Timing: 150th year since Vande Mataram was composed.
Main provisions
- Section 3 replaced to put Anthem and Song under one provision.
- New offences: deliberately stopping the singing or disturbing a gathering that is singing.
- Punishment: up to three years, fine, or both, as for the Anthem and Flag.
Background
- Dr Rajendra Prasad said on 24 January 1950 that Vande Mataram should be honoured equally with Jana Gana Mana.
- Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s song, published in Anandamath (1882), inspired the freedom struggle.
Exam angle
- Section replaced: Section 3.
- Maximum jail term: three years.