New Delhi, Sept. 13 -- The national song 'Vande Mataram' was played during the first T20I between India and Afghanistan at Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Sunday, followed by the national anthem.

As both teams lined up for the pre-match proceedings, India's national song 'Vande Mataram' was played first, followed by the national anthem 'Jana Gana Mana'.

The Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha in July passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, by voice vote. The Act makes any obstruction or insult to the national song 'Vande Mataram' a criminal offence and was passed after a brief discussion amid uproar by the opposition MPs.

The Amendment was introduced in the Upper House on July 24. The Act penalises insult...