Punishment for Insulting Vande Mataram

In May 2026, the Modi Cabinet approved an amendment to the National Honour Protection Act, 1971.

Under the amended provisions, intentionally insulting Vande Mataram or disrupting its singing may result in imprisonment for up to three years, a fine, or both.

With this decision, Vande Mataram has been granted a legal status equivalent to that of the national anthem.