According to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, passed by the Indian Parliament on Thursday (July 30), intentional disrespect to the national song 'Vande Mataram' or obstruction of its performance will be considered a punishable offense. The new law grants 'Vande Mataram' the same legal status as the national anthem 'Jana Gana Mana'. Such offenses carry a penalty of up to three years in prison, a fine, or both.
Following the passage of the law, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board expressed deep concern in a statement on Friday. The organization claimed that this law is contrary to India's Constitution, secularism, and democratic spirit, and constitutes a serious blow to citizens' religious freedom.
Similar reactions came from Arshad Madani, President of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind. He said the bill conflicts with the Constitution and the spirit of religious freedom. In his view, such initiatives have been taken for political purposes to divert attention from the real problems of the people.
Dr. S.Q.R. Ilyas, spokesperson for the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, said that attempting to make 'Vande Mataram' mandatory for people of all religions and communities through legislation is not only objectionable but also contrary to the fundamental principles of the Constitution.
He further said that when the Indian Constitution was being drafted, the Constituent Assembly, after lengthy discussions, adopted only the first two stanzas of 'Vande Mataram' at the national level. This was because the religious content of the subsequent stanzas was considered not fully compatible with the country's secular character.
Arshad Madani said that if anyone wishes to voluntarily sing or recite 'Vande Mataram,' they have no objection. However, according to Islamic belief, a Muslim worships only Allah. Therefore, some parts of the song are not compatible with Islamic creed, and no Muslim should be compelled by law to sing or accept it.
