News: Parliament passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026. The amendment extends statutory protection to the National Song (Vande Mataram), placing it on par with the National Anthem (Jana Gana Mana) under Section 3.

About the Act (1971)

• Enacted on 23 December 1971.
• A Central Act to prohibit and punish intentional insults or disrespect to India's national symbols.
• Applicable across the whole of India.

Key Provisions

• Section 2 → Protection of National Flag & Constitution
  • Punishes burning, defacing, defiling, mutilating, trampling, or showing disrespect.
  • Penalty: Up to 3 years' imprisonment, fine, or both.
  • Exception: Bona fide criticism seeking lawful amendments is not an offence.
• Section 3 → Protection of National Anthem
  • Punishes intentionally preventing the singing of Jana Gana Mana or disturbing an assembly singing it.
• Section 3A (Added in 2003)
  • Provides enhanced punishment for repeat offenders.
  • Minimum imprisonment: 1 year.

2026 Amendment

• Section 3 amended to include National Song (Vande Mataram) along with the National Anthem.
• Makes it an offence to:
  • Intentionally prevent the singing of Vande Mataram.
  • Disturb an assembly engaged in singing it.
• Penalty remains unchanged: Up to 3 years' imprisonment, fine, or both.
• Section 3A now also applies to repeat offences involving Vande Mataram, prescribing a minimum 1-year imprisonment.