# Rajya Sabha Passes Bill Protecting Vande Mataram Under Law

2026-08-06T13:57:43+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 2 independent outlets

The Rajya Sabha has passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, extending statutory protection to Vande Mataram alongside Jana Gana Mana. Deliberate insults or obstruction of the national song could bring up to three years in prison, a fine, or both. The existing law protects the national flag, the anthem and the Constitution. The Defence Ministry’s Independence Day invitations carry all six stanzas of Vande Mataram. Hindustan Times reports that the song will be played before the national anthem at the Red Fort ceremony, for the first time at the annual event. The bill’s passage has also revived discussion about the song’s history, public performance and place among India’s national symbols.

## Coverage

- republicworld.com <https://www.republicworld.com/india/rajya-sabha-passes-bill-granting-statutory-protection-to-national-song-vande-mataram-2026-07-29-133676>
- hindustantimes.com <https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/defence-ministry-issues-independence-day-invites-with-vande-mataram-lyrics-101786093311165.html>
- brandequity.economictimes.indiatimes.com <https://brandequity.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/marketing/vande-mataram-enters-the-law-book/132846439>

Tags: law, national honour, Parliament, Rajya Sabha, Vande Mataram
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