Centre to Introduce Bill in Rajya Sabha Making Insult to Vande Mataram a Criminal Offence

The government is set to introduce a bill in the Rajya Sabha on Monday that would make insulting the national song Vande Mataram a criminal offence. The proposal comes just three months after the Supreme Court ruled that not singing the song does not invite any penalty.

Bill Details and Parliamentary Schedule

The legislation is expected to be tabled during the ongoing Monsoon session of Parliament. Sources indicate the bill will specify the nature of acts considered insulting and outline the corresponding punishment. The exact quantum of the penalty has not been disclosed yet.

Both Houses of Parliament have seen repeated disruptions this session. The Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned till 12:30 p.m. on Monday as opposition MPs continued their protests on various issues. The government remains firm on pushing through key legislative business, including this bill.

Controversy and Political Reactions

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut took a swipe at the ruling BJP ahead of the bill's introduction. Raut dared Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to recite Vande Mataram without a teleprompter. His taunt reflects the charged political atmosphere surrounding the legislation.

The move has rekindled debates around nationalism and freedom of expression. Critics argue the bill could be misused to target dissent. Supporters maintain it is necessary to uphold the dignity of the national song, which holds a revered place in India's freedom struggle.

Supreme Court Ruling and Legal Background

The government's decision follows a Supreme Court judgment from April 2026. The court had then clarified that not singing Vande Mataram does not impose any penal consequence. That observation effectively limited the scope of prior legal provisions that some interpreted as mandatory.

By bringing this new bill, the government is attempting to close that legal gap. The proposed law would explicitly criminalise insulting acts—such as desecration or disrespectful gestures—rather than passive non-participation in singing. Legal experts are divided on whether this will pass constitutional muster.

What to Watch

The bill's fate in the Rajya Sabha remains uncertain given the current opposition strength. The government will need to navigate the protest logjam to secure its passage. All eyes will be on the parliamentary proceedings later today.