New Delhi, 11 August. President Draupadi Murmu on Tuesday approved a bill that makes it a crime to deliberately obstruct or prevent the singing of the national anthem Vande Mataram. Under this law, Vande Mataram will get the same legal protection as the national anthem currently enjoys. This information was given in a statement issued by the government.
Prevention of Insults to National Honor (Amendment) Bill, 2026 has now become law
With the assent of the President, the Prevention of Insults to National Honor (Amendment) Bill, 2026 has become law. This bill was passed in the Lok Sabha on July 30, 2026, while the Rajya Sabha had approved it a day earlier. Under this law, Vande Mataram has the same status as the national anthem 'Jana Gana Mana'.
Vande Mataram will be sung for the first time from the ramparts of the Red Fort on 15th August.
The Union Home Ministry said that for the first time in the Independence Day celebrations, Vande Mataram will be sung from the ramparts of the Red Fort. Earlier, under the Prevention of Insults to National Honor Act, it was prohibited to deliberately prevent the singing of the national anthem 'Jana Gana Mana' or to cause disruption in any gathering involving such singing.
Up to 3 years imprisonment for insulting Vande Mataram, provision of fine or both
There is a provision of imprisonment of up to three years, fine or both for these crimes. On the other hand, each subsequent conviction carried a minimum jail sentence of one year. However, under the old law, the national anthem Vande Mataram did not enjoy similar legal protection.