Patriotism Cannot Be Enforced Through Imprisonment: Vande Mataram Amendment Raises Serious Constitutional Concerns

Muhammad Ashraf, National General Secretary of the Social Democratic Party of India, has expressed grave concern over the passage of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, in the Rajya Sabha. Criminalising the intentional prevention or disruption of the singing of Vande Mataram undermines the constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression, freedom of conscience and freedom of religion. Patriotism cannot be legislated or enforced through imprisonment. Love for the nation must arise from conviction, not fear of punishment.

India is a plural and secular republic where no citizen should face criminal liability for matters of conscience. Existing laws are sufficient to address public order, making this new offence unnecessary and susceptible to misuse against dissenters. Parliament should prioritise unemployment, inflation, education and public welfare instead of symbolic criminal legislation. SDPI urges the Government to withdraw the amendment and uphold constitutional rights and democratic values.