Sanctioning of the bill to prevent desecration of national dignity by Parliament

The National Emblem (Amendment) Bill 2026, which provides for punishment for insulting the national anthem "Vande Mataram", was passed by Parliament on Thursday after being approved by the Lok Sabha. The bill was earlier passed by the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday through a voice vote.

After the Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned three times, when the House resumed at 3:30 pm, opposition members created a ruckus. Amidst the chaos, Deputy Speaker Sandhya Rai introduced the bill in the House for discussion and approval.

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) member Kanimozhi strongly opposed the bill, terming it anti-democratic. She said it was against federalism. She questioned how she could speak when there was no discipline in the House. She demanded a proper discussion on the bill.

Kanimozhi alleged that the government wanted to create polarization in the country through this bill and was insulting the Tamil people. According to her, the bill was divisive, not patriotic, but anti-democratic, and the government should also listen to the views of the states.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) member Sambit Patra supported the bill, saying it provided legal protection to "Vande Mataram" so that people could respect the national anthem and national song without fear. He regretted that there was a ruckus in the House even during the discussion on such an important bill.

He said that in 1950, the then President of the Constituent Assembly, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, had assured that "Jana Gana Mana" and "Vande Mataram" would be given equal respect, but according to him, the Congress governments had not fulfilled this promise in the last 76 years.

Responding to the brief discussion on the bill, Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai said it was not just a legal amendment but a collective commitment to respect India's soul, cultural heritage, national consciousness, and freedom struggle.

He said that under the 1971 National Honour Act, the national anthem "Jana Gana Mana" had legal protection, and similarly, Dr. Rajendra Prasad had ensured respect for "Vande Mataram" in 1950.

Nityanand Rai said that when Bankim Chandra Chatterjee created "Vande Mataram", he had said that he might not see its impact in his lifetime, but a time would come when the whole country would sing it. He said that today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was making this dream a reality.

He further said that "Vande Mataram" was a symbol of the resolve for a unified India, a supreme India, and a vibrant India. Quoting Swami Vivekananda, he said that he had predicted that the 21st century would be India's and that India would not only be an economic power but also a spiritual and human values-based leader of the world.

The Minister of State said that Swami Vivekananda's childhood name was also Narendra, so "one Narendra had predicted and the other Narendra is fulfilling it."

Notably, the bill amends the 1971 National Honour Act, which provides for punishment for insulting the national flag, Constitution, and national anthem. After the amendment, insulting or intentionally disrupting the national song "Vande Mataram" will also be a punishable offense, punishable by up to three years in prison, a fine, or both.

The bill was passed amidst the ruckus, after which the Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned for the entire day.

Nityanand Rai said that when Bankim Chandra Chatterjee created "Vande Mataram", he had said that he might not see its impact in his lifetime, but a time would come when the whole country would sing it. He said that today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was making this dream a reality.

He further said that "Vande Mataram" was a symbol of the resolve for a unified India, a supreme India, and a vibrant India. Quoting Swami Vivekananda, he said that he had predicted that the 21st century would be India's and that India would not only be an economic power but also a spiritual and human values-based leader of the world.

The Minister of State said that Swami Vivekananda's childhood name was also Narendra, so "one Narendra had predicted and the other Narendra is fulfilling it."

Notably, the bill amends the 1971 National Honour Act, which provides for punishment for insulting the national flag, Constitution, and national anthem. After the amendment, insulting or intentionally disrupting the national song "Vande Mataram" will also be a punishable offense, punishable by up to three years in prison, a fine, or both.

The bill was passed amidst the ruckus, after which the Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned for the entire day.