What happened in the Rajya Sabha
The Rajya Sabha passed the <strong>Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026</strong> while Opposition members were absent during the vote. Opposition members walked out from the House after slogans demanding an apology from <strong>Amit Shah</strong>, who is the Union Home Minister. Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment <strong>Ramdas Athawale</strong> spoke after the slogans.
The Rajya Sabha passed the Bill by <strong>voice vote</strong>. After special mentions were permitted by the presiding member, the House adjourned. The next stage for the Bill is <strong>Lok Sabha consideration and passage</strong>.
Background and earlier legal position
The Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 amends the <strong>Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971</strong>. The amendment focuses on national-symbol protection for <strong>Vande Mataram</strong>, described as the National Song. Vande Mataram is credited to <strong>Bankim Chatterjee</strong> and dated to <strong>1875</strong>. Earlier national-song adoption covered <strong>two stanzas</strong>.
What changes under the 2026 amendment Bill
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