New Delhi, July 29: The Rajya Sabha on Wednesday passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, making insult to the national song Vande Mataram a criminal offence. The bill was passed by voice vote amid an Opposition walkout, ending the over-week-long legislative impasse.

During the debate, Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai said Vande Mataram symbolises India's freedom struggle, cultural heritage and national pride, and urged that respect for national symbols should remain above politics. The Opposition protested over police action against students demonstrating against the NEET paper leak and staged a walkout during the discussion.

The amendment expands the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, which already criminalises disrespect towards the national flag, Constitution and national anthem, with a maximum punishment of three years' imprisonment. Several MPs supported the bill, while Opposition members reiterated that they opposed any insult to national symbols.