Indian Parliament Grants Vande Mataram Same Legal Protection as National Anthem
The Indian Parliament has passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which extends legal protection to the national song 'Vande Mataram', equating it with the national anthem 'Jana Gana Mana'. The bill, which amends the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, was cleared by the Lok Sabha following approval by the Rajya Sabha. This legislation makes deliberate insult or disruption of the singing of 'Vande Mataram' a criminal offense, punishable by imprisonment, fines, or both. The bill's passage coincides with the 150th anniversary of 'Vande Mataram', composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay. 
