The Rajya Sabha on Wednesday passed the bill to make insult to 'Vande Mataram ' a criminal offence. This includeds disrespect to the national song, anthem, flag or any other naional symbol ... with the provision of Three year imprisonment.
New delhi: The Rajya sabha on wednesday passed the Prevention of Insults to national Honour (Amendement) Bill,2026, notwithstanding noisy protests by opposition parties who later staged a walkout from the House.
The Bill seeks to make desecration of or disrespect towards the country's national symbols, including the national flag, the Constiitution, and the National anthem, a criminal offence, with a provision of up to Three years's imprisonment.
As soon as the House convened in the post-lunch session, Deputy Chairman Harivansh urged protesting members to maintain discipline and decorum. The opposition started protesting and sloganeering seeking a response from Union Home Minister Amit Shah over alleged police force against NEET paper leak demonstrations in the national cpital, when the chair took up the Vande mataram Bill, which was listed for consideration and passing in the list of business.
Amid protests by the opposition, the Deputy Chairman continued the House proceedings and called members, whose names were received for speaking in the discussion.
Meanwhile, the oppsoition parties continued to raise their demand and later staged a walkout from the House when union minister of state for social justice and empowerment Ramdas Athawale was speaking on the propsoed legislation.
