Kumar Bahukhandi
The Rajya Sabha passed the Vande Mataram Bill, making insults to the national song a criminal offence under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act.
Opposition stages walkout as Upper House clears amendment to extend legal protection to Vande Mataram.
NEW DELHI: The Rajya Sabha on Wednesday passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which seeks to make insult to the national song “Vande Mataram” a criminal offence, amid protests by the Opposition over police action against students demonstrating on the NEET paper leak issue.
The Bill was passed by a voice vote after the Opposition, led by the Congress, staged a walkout during the post-lunch session when the legislation was taken up for discussion.
Replying to the debate, minister of state for home affairs Nityanand Rai accused the Congress of opposing the Bill and said, “The Vande Mataram bill is not merely an ordinary bill but represents India’s soul, national awareness and cultural heritage and reminds us of the freedom struggle.” He alleged that opposing the song amounted to disrespecting the country’s honour and questioned the party’s stand.
He also referred to the origins of the national song, stating that Bankim Chandra Chatterjee composed it in 1875 and had envisaged its widespread acceptance. He further said that the song was later limited to two stanzas in 1937.
During the discussion, members from several parties, including the BJP, Shiv Sena, Biju Janata Dal and the Aam Aadmi Party, participated.
Earlier in the day, the House witnessed repeated disruptions over the alleged police action against student protesters and the arrest of former JNUSU leader Aishe Ghosh. CPM member John Brittas raised the issue, linking it to recent protests, while Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge demanded action against the police and a statement from Union home minister Amit Shah.
“Democracy is not safe…people are not safe…I request that those who went there without authorization should be punished by the government,” Kharge said.
Responding to the Opposition, Leader of the House J.P. Nadda said the matter was a routine law and order issue and defended police action. He said student activists must be prepared to face such situations if they engage in protests.
The House was adjourned multiple times during the day amid sloganeering, including during Question Hour when Opposition members demanded the presence of the Home Minister.
The Bill, introduced on July 24, seeks to amend the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, which prescribes punishment of up to three years’ imprisonment for disrespect to national symbols including the national flag, the Constitution and the national anthem.
