President Assents to Law Granting Legal Protection to Vande Mataram, Obstructing Its Rendition Now Punishable

August 7, 2026 : The President of India has given assent to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Act, 2026, bringing into force a significant legal reform that extends statutory protection to Vande Mataram, India’s National Song. With the amendment now in effect, deliberately obstructing or disrupting the rendition of Vande Mataram has become a punishable offence under law.

The amended legislation places Vande Mataram on the same legal footing as the National Anthem under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971. Any person who intentionally prevents the singing of the National Song or causes disruption during its rendition can now face imprisonment of up to three years, a fine, or both.

The amendment expands the scope of the 1971 Act, which until now primarily provided legal protection to the National Flag, the Constitution of India, and the National Anthem. By incorporating Vande Mataram into the statutory framework, Parliament has strengthened the legal safeguards available to one of India’s most significant national symbols.

The legislation had earlier been passed by both Houses of Parliament before being sent to the President for assent. The Union Government had argued that the amendment was necessary to accord Vande Mataram the same degree of legal protection as the National Anthem, citing its historic contribution to India’s freedom struggle and its enduring national significance.

Importantly, the amended law does not make the singing of Vande Mataram mandatory. Instead, it criminalises only deliberate acts of obstruction, disruption, or insult during its rendition, mirroring the legal protections already available for the National Anthem.

Composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and first published in his novel Anandamath, Vande Mataram was adopted as India’s National Song by the Constituent Assembly on January 24, 1950. Only the first two stanzas of the composition have official recognition.

The enactment marks a notable expansion of India’s legal framework governing the protection of national symbols and is expected to strengthen the enforcement of laws relating to the dignity and respect of the National Song across the country.