UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — SC issues notices to 12 States on plea over anti-conversion laws

Q1. With reference to State anti-conversion legislation in India, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2025 declares void any marriage solemnised for the sole purpose of unlawful religious conversion.
  2. Unlike the Rajasthan Act, 2025, the Odisha Freedom of Religion Act, 1967 was the second State anti-conversion law to be enacted in independent India.
  3. Under the Rajasthan Act, 2025, only the person undergoing conversion can lodge a First Information Report (FIR) for a forced conversion.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 1 and 2 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q2. In February 2026, the Supreme Court of India issued notices on a petition by the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) challenging State anti-conversion laws. To how many State governments did the Court issue notice?

  • A. 9
  • B. 10
  • C. 12
  • D. 14

Q3. With reference to the Supreme Court's February 2026 order on the NCCI petition, which of the following States were among those served notice on the constitutional validity of their anti-conversion laws? 1. Tamil Nadu 2. Haryana 3. Kerala 4. Rajasthan Which of the above is/are correctly identified?

  1. Tamil Nadu
  2. Haryana
  3. Kerala
  4. Rajasthan
  • A. 1 and 3 only
  • B. 2 and 4 only
  • C. 1, 2 and 4 only
  • D. 3 only

Q4. In Rev. Stainislaus v. State of Madhya Pradesh (1977), how did the Supreme Court interpret the expression 'propagate' in Article 25(1) of the Constitution?

  • A. The right to convert another person to one's own religion through reasoned persuasion, provided no force or allurement is used
  • B. The right to transmit or spread one's religion by an exposition of its tenets, and NOT a right to convert another person to one's own religion
  • C. The right of every religious denomination to establish and maintain institutions for religious instruction
  • D. The right to publicly perform religious rituals, subject to reasonable State regulation in the interest of public order

Q5. Under which Article of the Constitution of India is the freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess, practise and propagate religion guaranteed, subject to public order, morality and health?

  • A. Article 19
  • B. Article 21
  • C. Article 25
  • D. Article 26