Parliament clears bill to make insults to 'Vande Mataram' a criminal offence

The Parliament passed the 'Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026' that makes insults to the national song 'Vande Mataram' a criminal offence. The bill proposes imprisonment up to three years, a fine, or both for insults to 'Vande Mataram', giving it the same statutory protection as the National Anthem. Lok Sabha passed the bill on July 30.