The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 already penalises insults to the national flag, the Constitution and the national anthem. The 2026 amendment extends similar protection to Vande Mataram, the national song, and raises the punishment for desecration of national symbols. 'Vande Mataram', composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, was adopted as the national song by the Constituent Assembly on 24 January 1950, on the same day the national anthem 'Jana Gana Mana' was adopted. The Bill's passage comes during the 150th anniversary celebrations of the song.

The Bill elevates the legal status of the national song and reflects debates about national symbols and identity. Opposition members criticised provisions such as making the playing of Vande Mataram mandatory at official state-assembly events, arguing this affects state autonomy and secular principles. For exams, it is a live example of legislation protecting national honour and of the distinction between the national anthem and the national song.