Goa, July 20 -- The CPI(M) has opposed the introduction of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which seeks to extend legal and penal protection to Vande Mataram. Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas, leader of the CPI(M) group in the Upper House, submitted a notice under Rule 67 urging the Chairman to reject the Bill, arguing that it is unconstitutional and contradicts the intent of the Constitution.

Brittas said the proposed legislation attempts to place the National Song on the same legal footing as the National Anthem, despite the Constituent Assembly deliberately choosing not to do so. He pointed out that while the Bill refers to Dr Rajendra Prasad's statement made on January 24, 1950, it overlooks the fact th...