The Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved an amendment to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, making any insult or obstruction to the singing of the national song 'Vande Mataram' a punishable offence, a government source told The Hindu. The proposal will now be introduced in Parliament for legislative approval.

Currently, the 1971 law criminalizes insults to the National Anthem 'Jana Gana Mana', the National Flag, and the Constitution of India, with penalties including up to three years in prison, a fine, or both. The amendment seeks to bring 'Vande Mataram' under the same legal protection framework.

'Vande Mataram', composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, holds the status of national song and is distinct from the National Anthem. The Cabinet's decision follows recommendations from cultural and legal bodies to strengthen safeguards for national symbols. The government will introduce the bill in the upcoming session of Parliament.