Jammu, July 29 -- The Rajya Sabha on Wednesday passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, extending statutory protection to the national song 'Vande Mataram' and making its intentional disruption, obstruction or disrespect a punishable offence carrying a jail term of up to three years.
The Bill was passed by a voice vote amid noisy protests by Opposition members during the Monsoon Session of Parliament.
The House witnessed repeated disruptions over the Opposition's demand for a statement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the police action against protesters demonstrating in Delhi over the alleged NEET paper leak. Proceedings were adjourned twice before Deputy Chairman Harivansh resumed the House and ur...