PREVENTION OF INSULTS TO NATIONAL HONOUR (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2026
Why in News?
- The Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 was introduced to amend Section 3 of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.
- The Bill extends the same legal protection available to the National Anthem (Jana Gana Mana) to the National Song (Vande Mataram).
- It makes it an offence to intentionally prevent the singing of Vande Mataram or disturb an assembly engaged in its singing.
WHY WAS THE AMENDMENT PROPOSED?
- The 1971 Act already provides legal protection to the National Anthem by criminalising intentional obstruction or disturbance during its singing.
- During the Constituent Assembly meeting on 24 January 1950, Rajendra Prasad stated that Vande Mataram should be honoured equally with Jana Gana Mana.
- However, no specific legal provision existed to provide similar statutory protection to the National Song.
- The amendment seeks to remove this legal gap.
KEY PROVISIONS
Amendment to Section 3
- Expands Section 3 to cover both:
- National Anthem (Jana Gana Mana)
- National Song (Vande Mataram)
Prohibited Acts
A person commits an offence if he/she intentionally:
- Prevents the singing of:
- National Anthem, or
- National Song
- Causes disturbance to an assembly engaged in singing either of them.
Short Title
- The amended law shall be known as the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Act, 2026.
KEY CHANGES INTRODUCED
| Provision | 1971 Act | 2026 Amendment |
| Scope of Protection | Applied only to the National Anthem. | Extends protection to both the National Anthem and the National Song. |
| Prohibited Conduct | Preventing or disturbing the singing of the National Anthem. | Preventing or disturbing the singing of the National Anthem or the National Song. |
| Punishment | Imprisonment up to 3 years, or fine, or both. | No change in punishment. |
| Repeat Offenders | Minimum 1-year imprisonment for second or subsequent offences under Sections 2 or 3 (Section 3A). | Same enhanced punishment now also applies to offences involving Vande Mataram. |
ABOUT VANDE MATRAM
About
- Vande Mataram means “Mother, I Bow to Thee.”
- Composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee.
Publication
- First published in Bangadarshan on 7 November 1875.
- Later included in the novel Anandamath (1882).
Musical Adaptation
- Set to music by Rabindranath Tagore.
- First sung at the 1896 Indian National Congress Session in Calcutta.
Role in Freedom Movement
- Became a powerful symbol of India’s freedom struggle.
- First used as a political slogan during the Swadeshi Movement on 7 August 1905.
Constituent Assembly Recognition
- On 24 January 1950, Rajendra Prasad stated that Vande Mataram should be honoured equally with Jana Gana Mana.
PREVENTION OF INSULTS TO NATIONAL HONOURS ACT, 1971
About
- Enacted on 23 December 1971.
- Extends to the whole of India.
- Provides statutory protection to:
- National Flag
- Constitution of India
- National Anthem
Section 2 – National Flag and Constitution
- Punishes anyone who publicly:
- Burns
- Defaces
- Defiles
- Destroys
- Mutilates
- Tramples upon
- Shows disrespect to the National Flag or Constitution.
- Punishment:
- Imprisonment up to 3 years, or
- Fine, or
Lawful Criticism
- Legitimate criticism aimed at securing lawful amendment of the Constitution, National Flag, or government measures does not constitute an offence.
Section 3 – National Anthem
- Punishes intentional prevention of the singing of the National Anthem or causing disturbance during its singing.
- Punishment:
- Imprisonment up to 3 years, or
- Fine, or
Section 3A – Repeat Offences
- Inserted through the 2003 Amendment.
- Provides minimum one-year imprisonment for second and subsequent convictions under Sections 2 or 3.
- Following the 2026 Amendment, the same enhanced punishment also applies to repeat offences involving the National Song (Vande Mataram).
Note: Connect with Vajirao & Reddy Institute to keep yourself updated with latest UPSC Current Affairs in English.
Note: We upload Current Affairs Except Sunday.