Vande Mataram Insult Bill Passed by Lok Sabha; Rajya Sabha Witnesses Uproar Over Kharge's Remarks

Vande Mataram Insult Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha on Thursday, July 30, 2026, marking a significant legislative development during the ongoing Parliament Monsoon Session. The Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 seeks to criminalise insults to Vande Mataram, one of India's most revered national songs.

The Bill was passed following a brief but symbolic debate in the Lok Sabha, where DMK MP Kanimozhi and BJP MP Sambit Patra spoke on behalf of their respective parties. Meanwhile, proceedings in the Rajya Sabha turned stormy after Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge criticised the government over alleged police action against students and made remarks about the leadership of educational institutions.

The Lok Sabha has been adjourned and will reconvene on Friday, July 31, 2026, at 11 a.m.

Lok Sabha Passes Vande Mataram Insult Bill

The Vande Mataram Insult Bill was approved by the Lok Sabha through the passage of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026.

The legislation proposes legal provisions to criminalise acts considered insulting to Vande Mataram, reinforcing protections for national symbols and expressions of national honour.

The debate preceding the passage was relatively brief, with members presenting their party positions before the Bill was approved.

Kanimozhi and Sambit Patra Participate in Debate

During the discussion on the Bill:

DMK's Kanimozhi Speaks

DMK MP Kanimozhi participated in the debate, presenting her party's views on the proposed amendment before the legislation was put to a vote.

BJP's Sambit Patra Responds

Representing the ruling party, Sambit Patra spoke in support of the Bill, highlighting the importance of safeguarding national honour through appropriate legal measures.

Following the debate, the Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha.

Rajya Sabha Debates Public Examinations Amendment Bill

While the Lok Sabha completed legislative business on the National Honour Amendment Bill, the Rajya Sabha continued discussions on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026.

The proposed legislation aims to strengthen legal provisions against examination malpractices, including paper leaks, organised cheating and other unfair practices in public examinations.

Kharge Targets Government in Rajya Sabha

Proceedings in the Rajya Sabha witnessed heated exchanges after Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge criticised the government during his speech.
Kharge alleged that Union Home Minister Amit Shah bore responsibility for the alleged police action against students and called for accountability on the issue.

His remarks triggered strong reactions from Treasury Bench members, resulting in repeated interruptions.
H2: Uproar Over Remarks on Educational Institutions
The House witnessed further disruptions after Kharge alleged that individuals associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) were heading educational institutions.

He urged the government to remove such individuals from these positions, leading to protests from members of the ruling alliance.

The comments resulted in a noisy exchange between the Treasury and Opposition benches, with the Chair intervening to restore order.

Parliament Monsoon Session Continues

The ongoing Parliament Monsoon Session has witnessed frequent confrontations between the government and the Opposition over a range of issues, including:
Education reforms.
Student protests.
Public examination reforms.
National legislation.
Governance and institutional appointments.
Despite repeated disruptions, Parliament continues to take up important legislative business.

What Happens Next?

The Lok Sabha is scheduled to reconvene on Friday, July 31, 2026, at 11 a.m., while discussions in the Rajya Sabha are expected to continue on pending legislative and political matters.

Observers will closely watch:

The progress of the Public Examinations Amendment Bill.
Further debate on education-related issues.
Continued exchanges between the government and the Opposition.
Upcoming legislative business during the Monsoon Session.

The passage of the Vande Mataram Insult Bill in the Lok Sabha marked one of the key legislative developments of the Parliament Monsoon Session. At the same time, the Rajya Sabha witnessed sharp political exchanges as Mallikarjun Kharge criticised the government over alleged police action against students and raised concerns regarding educational institutions. With several major Bills still under consideration, the Monsoon Session is expected to remain politically significant in the coming days.