The Rajya Sabha has passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, proposing up to three years' imprisonment for intentionally insulting the national song Vande Mataram. If the amendment completes the remaining legislative process and becomes law, 'Vande Mataram' will also receive statutory protection under the Act. Calling the legislation more than an ordinary bill, Rai said Vande Mataram symbolises India's soul, national consciousness and cultural heritage. "Unfortunately, in 1937 Vande Mataram was limited to only two stanzas by (former Prime Minister) Jawaharlal Nehru," the Union Minister added. Agrawal added that "for the last 123 years, Vande Mataram is being insulted in the country.”