Rajya Sabha passes Bill to criminalise disrespect to Vande Mataram
The Rajya Sabha passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, amid an Opposition walkout. The Bill seeks to amend the 1971 Act, extending punishment for disrespect towards national symbols to include acts causing obstruction in the singing of the National Song, Vande Mataram. Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai accused the Congress of appeasement politics for opposing the Bill, emphasizing that Vande Mataram represents India's soul and cultural heritage. The Bill will now proceed to the Lok Sabha for consideration.
Key Points
- The Rajya Sabha passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
- The Bill extends punishment for disrespect to national symbols to include obstruction of Vande Mataram.
- Minister Nityanand Rai stated Vande Mataram represents India's soul and cultural heritage.
- The Opposition walked out of the Rajya Sabha during the Bill's passage.
Exam Facts
- Bill: Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
- Act it amends: Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.
- National Song: Vande Mataram, penned by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in 1875.
- Minister of State for Home Affairs: Nityanand Rai.
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