Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, July 29: Amid noisy scenes and an Opposition walkout, the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, paving the way for penal action against those who obstruct the singing of the national song Vande Mataram.
The legislation, passed by a voice vote in the absence of Opposition members, seeks to amend the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, by extending existing penal provisions covering disrespect towards the National Flag, the Constitution and the National Anthem to include acts that obstruct the singing of Vande Mataram. The Bill will now be taken up by the Lok Sabha for consideration and passage.
The Opposition staged a walkout after raising slogans demanding an apology from union home minister Amit Shah over last week's police action against protesting students. Members exited the House as union minister of state for social justice and empowerment Ramdas Athawale began speaking on the Bill.
Replying to the debate, minister of state for home affairs Nityanand Rai accused the Congress of pursuing "appeasement politics" and disrespecting Vande Mataram over the years.
"Opposing Vande Mataram means boosting the morale of the Bharat 'tere tukde honge' gang," Rai alleged.
Describing the legislation as far more than an ordinary Bill, Rai said it symbolised "India's soul, national consciousness and cultural heritage" and served as a reminder of the country's freedom struggle. He questioned the Congress' opposition to the measure.
Penned by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in 1875, Vande Mataram was later adopted as India's national song, with only its first two stanzas being officially recognised. The decision was taken by the Congress under the leadership of Jawaharlal Nehru in 1937, years before he became independent India's first Prime Minister.
Referring to the proposed penal provisions, Rai said he could not understand why "a few people" or the Congress were opposed to Vande Mataram.
"The Vande Mataram Bill is not merely an ordinary Bill, but represents India's soul, national awareness and cultural heritage."
He further alleged: "The Congress has always worked to disrespect the pride of this country by adopting a policy of appeasement. Why are the Congress and its allies protesting?"
Opening the debate, BJP MP Radha Mohan Das Agrawal claimed Vande Mataram had been neglected and insulted during Congress rule despite inspiring countless revolutionaries and freedom fighters during the independence movement.
Participating in the discussion, Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh said his party firmly believed that neither Vande Mataram nor the National Anthem should ever be insulted.
The Bill was subsequently passed by a voice vote conducted by Rajya Sabha deputy chairman Harivansh, following which the House was adjourned after members were permitted to make special mentions.