The Union Cabinet of India has approved a proposal to amend the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, to make any obstruction to the singing of the national song Vande Mataram a punishable offense. This amendment, pending approval from Parliament, aims to provide Vande Mataram with the same legal protection as the national anthem, Jana Gana Mana. Currently, the Act protects the national anthem, flag, and Constitution from insults, with penalties including imprisonment for up to three years or fines for violations. Former Union Minister Anurag Thakur expressed gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other officials for this decision, which he described as a long-standing demand. In January, the Union Home Ministry had directed that all six stanzas of Vande Mataram be sung at official events, establishing protocols for its performance. The Supreme Court had previously dismissed a plea challenging the circular on singing Vande Mataram, stating that there were no penalties for non-compliance. The government is marking the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, which played a significant role in India's freedom struggle.