President Murmu Assents To Law Protecting Vande Mataram

President Droupadi Murmu has granted assent to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Act, 2026, which expands the scope of penal provisions to cover the National Song, Vande Mataram, alongside the National Anthem.

The amendment was introduced in the Rajya Sabha on July 24, 2026, by the Ministry of Home Affairs and was passed by both Houses of Parliament on July 29 and 30, during the ongoing Monsoon session.

Under the amended law, any person who intentionally prevents the singing of the National Anthem or the National Song, or causes disturbance to any assembly engaged in such singing, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term extending up to three years, or with a fine, or with both.

Prior to the amendment, only the intentional prevention of the singing of the National Anthem or causing disturbance to an assembly engaged in its singing was criminalised. The amendment brings both the National Anthem and the National Song on an equal footing for the purposes of the penal provision.

The prescribed maximum sentence remains unchanged, with imprisonment of up to three years, or a fine, or both, applicable to those found guilty.

The move is seen as a significant step in promoting national pride and respect for the country's symbols.

The law will now provide equal protection to both the National Anthem and the National Song, ensuring that those who intentionally disrupt or prevent their singing are held accountable.

This development comes at a time when the country is preparing to celebrate its Independence Day, with special programmes and events planned across the nation.

In related news, a special 'Vande Mataram' programme is scheduled to be held in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar to mark Independence Day.

The amendment has been welcomed by many, who see it as a necessary step in promoting national unity and respect for the country's symbols.

The President's assent to the amendment marks the final step in the legislative process, and the law will now come into effect.

The move is expected to have a significant impact on the way the National Song is perceived and respected in the country.

As the nation prepares to celebrate its Independence Day, the amendment serves as a reminder of the importance of national pride and respect for the country's symbols.

The new law will provide a strong deterrent against those who intentionally disrupt or prevent the singing of the National Anthem or the National Song, and will help promote a sense of national unity and pride.

In conclusion, the President's assent to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Act, 2026, marks a significant step in promoting national pride and respect for the country's symbols, and will have a lasting impact on the nation.