Now up to 3 years jail for insulting Vande Mataram, know what are the new legal provisions and the reason for the controversy

The politics of the country has once again become heated regarding the singing of the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ and its dignity. A decision taken by the Congress Party regarding the singing of the national anthem has sparked debate in political circles. Meanwhile, after the new amendment brought by the Central Government, very strict legal provisions have now been imposed on insulting the national anthem or obstructing its singing.

Politics heated up due to Congress’s decision

This whole political controversy started when the Congress Working Committee (CWC) decided to limit the singing of ‘Vande Mataram’ in its official programs to only the first two verses instead of the entire six verses. After this decision came to light, the ruling party and critics took the Congress to task.

Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has passed a strong 10-point condemnation resolution in the party’s national team meeting, strongly opposing the move. BJP has announced to run a public relations campaign across the country linking it to the insult to the country’s cultural heritage and national anthem.

On the lines of national anthem, now national song also gets legal protection

After the coming into force of the Prevention of Insults to National Honor (Amendment) Bill, 2026, the law has been made extremely strict amid the growing political and ideological conflict. After this new amendment, now for insulting the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ or obstructing its singing, the same punishment will be given which was till now fixed for the national anthem ‘Jana Gana Mana’.

Under the new provisions:

• Provision of punishment: If any person intentionally prevents the singing of the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ or causes disruption in any assembly or group in its singing, he will be considered as a punishable offense under Section 3 of the Prevention of Insults to National Honor Act, 1971.

• Three years in prison: A person found guilty of this offense may face imprisonment of up to three years, a fine, or both.

• Strict punishment on repetition: If a person repeats this offence, the provision of mandatory rigorous imprisonment for not less than one year under Section 3A will be imposed.