Bihar CM welcomes Parliament nod to Bill for 'Vande Mataram' protection
Patna, July 30
After Parliament passed the Vande Mataram Bill in both Houses on Thursday, Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary welcomed the move and said it is not merely a national song but an enduring symbol of India's freedom movement and national consciousness.
In a post on his official X account on Thursday, the Chief Minister said: "Vande Mataram is not just a national song but an inspiration for India's freedom struggle and an immortal symbol of national spirit."
The passage of The Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, by the Parliament is a historic step towards strengthening India's cultural heritage and national honour.
The Chief Minister added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Centre has written a new chapter in safeguarding India's national identity by extending legal protection to Vande Mataram on par with the National Anthem.
"This decision will strengthen respect for our national symbols and further reinforce the spirit of patriotism among future generations," Chief Minister Choudhary said.
The Bill, introduced during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, amends the 1971 Act by extending the existing penal provisions applicable to the National Anthem and the National Song.
The Lok Sabha approved the Bill by a voice vote amid protests and disruptions by Opposition members.
The Rajya Sabha had passed the legislation on Wednesday. The Bill will become law after receiving the President's assent.
The amendment expands the scope of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, which previously covered the National Flag, the Constitution of India, and the National Anthem.
Under the amended law, Vande Mataram will receive the same legal protection as the National Anthem in the country.
A person who intentionally obstructs or disrupts the singing of the national song or deliberately insults it may face imprisonment of up to three years, a fine, or both.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good move but I hope this law is not misused to silence dissent. National symbols should be respected, but we also need freedom of expression. Let's see how it's implemented.
Vande Mataram has been our pride since the Swadeshi movement. No one should insult it. But why is the Opposition always protesting? They need to think about national interest first. 🚩
I have mixed feelings. Protecting Vande Mataram is good, but three years in jail for insulting a song? That seems harsh. We need to focus on real issues like education and jobs too.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.