‘Vande Mataram’ got equal status as the national anthem… Modi cabinet approved the proposal, there will be punishment for insulting it

New Delhi. After the historic success of Bharatiya Janata Party in West Bengal elections 2026, the central government has taken a big step. After the victory in the West Bengal Assembly elections, an important decision regarding ‘Vande Mataram’ has been taken in the cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Under this decision, now the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ will get the same constitutional respect and status, which till now only the national anthem ‘Jana Gana Mana’ has been getting.

The proposal was placed in the Union Cabinet meeting

The atmosphere in the Modi cabinet meeting held in Delhi on Tuesday was quite encouraging. At the very beginning of the meeting, all the ministers congratulated PM Modi for the massive and unprecedented victory of BJP in the West Bengal Assembly elections. The ministers said that Bengal’s victory has ushered in a new era in the country’s politics. Amidst this positive energy, the government approved this important proposal related to national identity.

What will be the change in the law?

The government has accepted the proposal to amend the ‘Prevention of Insults to National Honor Act’. After the implementation of this amendment, the same strict rules and restrictions will be applicable to respect the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, which are currently prescribed for the national anthem. Now ‘Vande Mataram’ will not be just a song but a symbol with equal dignity as the national anthem in the eyes of law. Intentionally insulting ‘Vande Mataram’ or obstructing its singing will now be considered a cognizable offence. Just as it is mandatory to stand at attention and follow etiquette while the national anthem is being played, the same expectation will now be made for ‘Vande Mataram’ also.

provision of punishment and penalty

According to current law, insulting the National Flag (Tricolour), the Constitution of India or the National Anthem is punishable with jail, fine or both. After the proposed changes, ‘Vande Mataram’ has also been brought under the ambit of this legal protection. If any person knowingly obstructs the singing of ‘Vande Mataram’ or disrespects it, he can be punished with imprisonment of up to 3 years, fine or both. Earlier in the year 2005, this law was amended to ban derogatory use of the tricolor (such as on clothing or at inappropriate places).

Decision on 150th anniversary of ‘Vande Mataram’

This decision has been taken at a time when the entire country is celebrating the 150th anniversary of the composition of ‘Vande Mataram’. During a special session of Parliament in December 2025, when the 150th anniversary of the song was being discussed, several MPs had raised the demand to give it equal status as the national anthem. The government believes that ‘Vande Mataram’ has been the mainstay of the Indian freedom struggle and has inspired millions of revolutionaries, hence it deserves the highest honour.