Government set to bring Bill making insult to Vande Mataram a criminal offence
The Government plans to introduce the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, in the Rajya Sabha, making insults to the national song 'Vande Mataram' a criminal offence. This amendment aligns the song's protection with that of the national anthem, imposing penalties of up to three years' imprisonment and fines for violations. The proposal has faced criticism from the Communist Party of India (Marxist), which argues it could disrupt constitutional balance and individual freedoms.