Rajya Sabha clears Vande Mataram Bill, here’s what you need to knowThe Rajya Sabha has passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, extending legal protection to the national song Vande Mataram. By IANS Published Date - 29 July 2026, 06:26 PMNew Delhi: The Rajya Sabha, the Upper House of Parliament, on Wednesday passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026. The legislation makes the intentional insult of the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ or deliberate obstruction of its rendition a punishable offence. The order specifies that “when the national song and the national anthem are sung or played, the national song will be sung or played first,” and that it must be rendered while standing at attention. The purpose of the amendment is to place ‘Vande Mataram’ on an equal footing with the other protected national symbols.