Bill to Criminalize Insults to Vande Mataram Faces Opposition in Rajya Sabha

The Indian government has listed a bill in the Rajya Sabha that seeks to make insulting the national song, Vande Mataram, a criminal offence. The bill is part of five pieces of legislation scheduled for the monsoon session of Parliament. However, the agenda does not include any bill related to delimitation. The proposed legislation, titled the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, has drawn opposition from the Communist Party of India (Marxist). Party leader John Brittas filed a notice under Rule 67 to block the introduction of the bill, arguing that it violates the constitutional settlement regarding the status of the national song. Brittas contended that the bill undermines the existing legal framework and could lead to misuse. He stressed that the national song already enjoys respect and does not require additional legal protection that might infringe on fundamental rights. The government, however, maintains that the amendment is necessary to prevent deliberate disrespect to the national song. The bill is expected to spark debate in the upper house over its constitutionality and implications for free speech. The monsoon session continues with other legislative business, but the fate of this bill remains uncertain amid the opposition's strong stance.