India, July 25 -- The Union Government on Friday introduced a Bill in the Rajya Sabha seeking to make any obstruction or insult to the national song, Vande Mataram, a criminal offence. Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, introduced The Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, as several Opposition members, including those belonging to Left parties, opposed its introduction.

The Bill will amend the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, which makes desecration of or disrespect toward the country's national symbols - including the national flag, the Constitution, and the national anthem - a criminal offence, carrying a punishment of up to three years' imprisonment. It seeks to give Vande ...