Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026
GS: GS PAPER II — Polity, National Symbols & Constitutional Law
Amends 1971 Act to make intentional insult to or obstruction of ‘Vande Mataram’ punishable offence, matching protection given to National Anthem. Linked to Fundamental Duty under Article 51A(a).
Key Points to Remember
- Purpose: Extend legal protection to ‘Vande Mataram’ (National Song) against insult/disruption, making it punishable offence.
- Existing Act (1971): Protects National Flag, Constitution of India, and National Anthem (Jana Gana Mana) from intentional insult.
- Proposed Amendment: Intentional insult to or disruption during singing of Vande Mataram punishable with imprisonment up to 3 years, or fine, or both.
- Vande Mataram: Composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in novel Anandamath (1882). First two stanzas enjoy status of National Song.
- National Anthem: Jana Gana Mana, written by Rabindranath Tagore, adopted 24 January 1950.
- Constitutional Link: Reinforces Fundamental Duty under Article 51A(a) — to abide by Constitution and respect its ideals, National Flag, and National Anthem.
- Penalty for Repeat Offence: Minimum imprisonment of 1 year for conviction under Sections 2 or 3.
Exam Significance
- Tests knowledge of national symbols and their constitutional protection.
- Examines distinction between national anthem, national song, and other symbols.
- Important for questions on Fundamental Duties under Article 51A.
- Relevant for understanding legislative amendments to protect national dignity.
Prelims MCQ Practice
With reference to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, consider the following statements: 1. It seeks to make intentional insult to or obstruction during the singing of Vande Mataram a punishable offence. 2. The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 currently provides legal protection only to the National Flag and the National Anthem. 3. Respect for the National Flag and the National Anthem is a Fundamental Duty under Article 51A(a) of the Constitution.
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a)
Statement 1 is correct — the amendment extends legal protection to Vande Mataram. 2nd statement is incorrect — the 1971 Act already protects the National Flag, Constitution of India, and National Anthem. Statement 3 is correct — Article 51A(a) makes it a Fundamental Duty to respect these symbols.
