Kashmir Impulse Desk

New Delhi, July 30

The Parliament on Thursday passed legislation making the insult of the national song Vande Mataram a criminal offence, amid protests by opposition lawmakers in the Lok Sabha.

The Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, was approved by the lower house by voice vote after a brief debate. The Rajya Sabha had passed the legislation on Wednesday.

Minister of State for Home Nityananda Rai, who piloted the bill, said the measure would give Vande Mataram a status equivalent to the national anthem, Jana Gana Mana.

Rai accused previous Congress governments of failing to accord the song its due recognition, a charge rejected by the opposition.

The debate was held amid slogans by opposition members over alleged irregularities involving donations to the Ram temple in Ayodhya.

Amendments moved by opposition lawmakers, including DMK member A Raja, were rejected by voice vote. Raja later tore some documents and threw them towards the Well of the House.

The bill’s passage was followed by further sloganeering, after which the Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day.