Rajya Sabha passes bill to make insult of Vande Mataram criminal offence

The Rajya Sabha on Wednesday passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which makes insulting the national song 'Vande Mataram' a criminal offence.

The Bill was passed by a voice vote.

The House took up the Bill for consideration and passage after convening in the post-lunch session following two adjournments earlier in the day.

Deputy Chairman Harivansh urged protesting members to maintain decorum. However, Opposition parties continued raising slogans, demanding a response from Union Home Minister Amit Shah over police action against those who had protested in the national capital over the NEET paper leak.