Sonia Gandhi and Kharge expressed extreme displeasure because all stanzas of Vande Mataram was sung at the Congress HQ in New Delhi on 2026-08-15.
Some functionary was summoned and was instructed to stop playing the extra stanzas. However, the person possibly told Sonia and Kharge that the new law mandates singing the complete national song.
The [Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026] is an Indian legislation that gives the national song, Vande Mataram, the same legal protection as the national anthem, making intentional disruption or prevention of its singing punishable by up to three years in prison, a fine, or both.
Key Provisions
• Parent Statute: Amends Section 3 of the [Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971], which already protects the national flag, constitution, and national anthem (Jana Gana Mana).
• Offenses: Criminalizes acts that deliberately prevent the singing of Vande Mataram or cause a disturbance in an assembly engaged in singing it.
• Penalties: Carries up to three years of imprisonment, a fine, or both for a first offense, and a minimum of one year in jail for subsequent convictions.
Legislative Timeline & Status
• Introduction: Brought forward in Parliament in July 2026 as part of the commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the composition.
• Parliamentary Passage: Passed by the Rajya Sabha on July 29, 2026, and by the Lok Sabha on July 30, 2026, amid opposition protests.
• Enactment: Received presidential assent from President Droupadi Murmu in August 2026, officially making it law.
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