Vande Mataram Bill introduced in Rajya Sabha amid Opposition sloganeering; Cabinet clears tougher anti-paper leak law

The Centre on Friday introduced the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 in the Rajya Sabha to criminalise the intentional obstruction or disturbance during the singing of the national song Vande Mataram, while the Union Cabinet approved a separate Bill proposing fast-track courts and stricter punishment for paper leak cases.

Union Minister Nityanand Rai introduced the amendment Bill in the Upper House on the fifth day of the Monsoon Session. The proposed legislation seeks to amend the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, extending penal provisions to anyone who intentionally prevents the singing of Vande Mataram or disrupts an assembly engaged in singing the national song.

The Bill was introduced amid sloganeering by Opposition members over the ongoing NEET paper leak controversy.

CPI MPs P. Sandosh Kumar and John Brittas opposed the introduction of the Bill, while Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh criticised the move, alleging that incidents of disrespect towards Vande Mataram and the Tricolour had come from the BJP's side and questioning the party's historical role in the freedom movement.

Defending the legislation, BJP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Seth said the Bill would strengthen respect for the national song.

Meanwhile, the Union Cabinet approved a Bill providing for fast-track courts and tougher punishment in cases of paper leaks and examination malpractices, fulfilling Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement made a day earlier.

According to official sources, the proposed legislation will be introduced in Parliament next week. It proposes that fast-track courts complete trials and deliver verdicts within three months, ensuring speedy justice in paper leak cases.

In a video message on Thursday, Prime Minister Modi said the government had prepared a comprehensive draft law introducing stringent provisions and harsher penalties against those involved in examination fraud.

Calling paper leaks a source of immense distress for students and parents, the Prime Minister said the Centre had already taken several measures over the past two-and-a-half months, leading to the arrest of those responsible. He added that all available resources had been mobilised to conduct examinations for nearly 22 lakh students, with results declared on July 19.

PM Modi said the government would continue strengthening the examination system and reiterated that protecting students' futures remained a top priority.