New Delhi, July 30 -- The Lok Sabha on Thursday passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, by voice vote. The Bill seeking to make any obstruction or insult to the national song 'Vande Mataram' a criminal offence was passed after a brief discussion amid uproar by the opposition MPs.

The passage came a day after the Rajya Sabha cleared the legislation.

The legislation faced sharp opposition from the DMK in the Lower House, which accused the government of using it to push a 'Hindutva' agenda.

Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai moved the Bill in the Lok Sabha for consideration and passing.

Replying to the discussion in the House, Nityanand Rai asserted that the Union government respects all ...