The Union Cabinet of India has approved a proposal to amend the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, making any obstruction to the singing of the national song 'Vande Mataram' a punishable offense. This amendment will provide Vande Mataram with the same statutory protection as the national anthem, 'Jana Gana Mana', which is already protected under the Act. Currently, the Act safeguards the national anthem, the national flag, and the Constitution from insults, with penalties including imprisonment for up to three years or fines for violations. Former Union minister and BJP MP Anurag Thakur expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai for this decision, highlighting it as a long-standing demand. The amendment requires approval from Parliament to become law. Additionally, the Union home ministry has directed that all six stanzas of 'Vande Mataram' should be sung at official functions alongside the national anthem. The Supreme Court recently dismissed a plea against the circular mandating the singing of 'Vande Mataram', stating that it was not obligatory and had no penal consequences. The government is also observing the 150th anniversary of 'Vande Mataram', which holds historical significance in India's freedom struggle.