UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Vande Mataram and the right to dissent

Q1. Consider the following statements regarding the protection given to the National Song by the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, as compared with the protection already available under the parent Act of 1971: 1. The amendment leaves the section dealing with the National Anthem untouched and instead inserts a wholly new section devoted exclusively to the National Song. 2. While the singing of both the National Anthem and the National Song is now protected against intentional obstruction, the provision penalising burning, mutilating or trampling applies to the National Flag and the Constitution, and not to either composition. 3. The maximum term of imprisonment prescribed for disturbing an assembly engaged in singing the National Song is the same as that already prescribed for the National Anthem. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The amendment leaves the section dealing with the National Anthem untouched and instead inserts a wholly new section devoted exclusively to the National Song.
  2. While the singing of both the National Anthem and the National Song is now protected against intentional obstruction, the provision penalising burning, mutilating or trampling applies to the National Flag and the Constitution, and not to either composition.
  3. The maximum term of imprisonment prescribed for disturbing an assembly engaged in singing the National Song is the same as that already prescribed for the National Anthem.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 1 and 2 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q2. With reference to the passage of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 through Parliament, which one of the following is correct?

  • A. It was introduced first in the Lok Sabha in July 2026, and was passed by that House before the Rajya Sabha took it up.
  • B. It was introduced first in the Rajya Sabha in July 2026, but was passed by the Lok Sabha before the Rajya Sabha cleared it.
  • C. It was introduced first in the Rajya Sabha in July 2026, and was passed by that House before the Lok Sabha took it up.
  • D. It was introduced first in the Rajya Sabha in July 2026, and was referred to a Joint Committee of both Houses before being passed.

Q3. Consider the following statements about the Supreme Court's decision in Bijoe Emmanuel v. State of Kerala (1986): 1. The children concerned had stood up respectfully while the National Anthem was being sung, and had abstained only from joining in the singing. 2. The Court held that the freedom of speech and expression guaranteed by Article 19(1)(a) includes the right to remain silent. 3. The expulsion of the children had been ordered under a statute specifically enacted by the State Legislature to compel the singing of the National Anthem in schools. 4. The Court struck down as unconstitutional the provision of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 relating to the National Anthem. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The children concerned had stood up respectfully while the National Anthem was being sung, and had abstained only from joining in the singing.
  2. The Court held that the freedom of speech and expression guaranteed by Article 19(1)(a) includes the right to remain silent.
  3. The expulsion of the children had been ordered under a statute specifically enacted by the State Legislature to compel the singing of the National Anthem in schools.
  4. The Court struck down as unconstitutional the provision of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 relating to the National Anthem.
  • A. 1 and 2
  • B. 2 and 3
  • C. 1, 3 and 4
  • D. 2 and 4

Q4. Which one of the following most accurately states the position laid down by the Supreme Court in Bijoe Emmanuel v. State of Kerala (1986) in respect of a pupil who stands up but does not join in singing the National Anthem?

  • A. Such conduct is permissible only where the managing committee of the institution has granted a prior written exemption to the pupil concerned.
  • B. Such conduct amounts to no offence at all, since standing up respectfully cannot be treated as disrespect to the National Anthem.
  • C. Such conduct is protected only for members of a religious denomination that has been formally registered with the State Government.
  • D. Such conduct amounts to disrespect to the National Anthem, but is punishable with fine alone and not with imprisonment.

Q5. The act by which Vande Mataram was accorded its present standing on 24 January 1950 is best described as which one of the following?

  • A. A resolution formally moved, debated and adopted by the Constituent Assembly by a recorded division of votes.
  • B. A provision inserted in the Constitution listing it, along with the National Flag, among the fundamental duties of every citizen.
  • C. A recommendation of the Drafting Committee carried into the draft text and adopted along with the rest of the Constitution.
  • D. A statement made from the Chair by the President of the Constituent Assembly, unaccompanied by any formal vote of the House.

Q6. Consider the following statements about the status of Vande Mataram in independent India: 1. Vande Mataram is expressly named in the Constitution of India as the National Song. 2. The fundamental duty relating to national symbols enumerates the National Flag and the National Anthem, but makes no mention of the National Song. 3. Until Parliament acted in 2026, no penal provision specifically protected the singing of Vande Mataram. 4. Formal Government instructions prescribe all the occasions on which Vande Mataram must invariably be sung, exactly as they do for the National Anthem. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. Vande Mataram is expressly named in the Constitution of India as the National Song.
  2. The fundamental duty relating to national symbols enumerates the National Flag and the National Anthem, but makes no mention of the National Song.
  3. Until Parliament acted in 2026, no penal provision specifically protected the singing of Vande Mataram.
  4. Formal Government instructions prescribe all the occasions on which Vande Mataram must invariably be sung, exactly as they do for the National Anthem.
  • A. 1 and 4
  • B. 2 and 3
  • C. 1, 2 and 3
  • D. 3 and 4 only

Q7. The fundamental duty in Article 51A(a) requires every citizen to abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag and one further national symbol. Which one of the following is that symbol?

  • A. The State Emblem of India, adapted from the Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath
  • B. The National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana
  • C. The National Song, Vande Mataram
  • D. The National Calendar based on the Saka era

Q8. The Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 was piloted in Parliament by which one of the following Ministries?

  • A. Ministry of Culture, which coordinates the year-long national commemorations and observances
  • B. Ministry of Law and Justice, acting through its Legislative Department
  • C. Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, which oversees Akashvani and Doordarshan broadcasts
  • D. Ministry of Home Affairs

Q9. Consider the following statements with reference to Article 25 of the Constitution of India: 1. The freedoms it guarantees are expressly made subject to public order, morality and health, and to the other provisions of the Part in which it occurs. 2. It confers its guarantee on 'all persons', and not merely on citizens of India. 3. An Explanation appended to it deems the wearing and carrying of kirpans to be included in the profession of the Sikh religion. 4. It bars the State from making any law regulating economic, financial or political activity that may be associated with religious practice. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The freedoms it guarantees are expressly made subject to public order, morality and health, and to the other provisions of the Part in which it occurs.
  2. It confers its guarantee on 'all persons', and not merely on citizens of India.
  3. An Explanation appended to it deems the wearing and carrying of kirpans to be included in the profession of the Sikh religion.
  4. It bars the State from making any law regulating economic, financial or political activity that may be associated with religious practice.
  • A. 1 and 3
  • B. 2 and 4
  • C. 1, 2 and 3
  • D. 1, 3 and 4

Q10. Consider the following statements comparing the freedom of conscience under Article 25(1) with the freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a): 1. The right under Article 25(1) is absolute and cannot be curtailed on any ground whatsoever. 2. The freedom of conscience is available to all persons, whereas the freedom of speech and expression is guaranteed only to citizens. 3. Any practice that an individual honestly claims to be religious is necessarily protected under Article 25(1), irrespective of considerations of public order or health. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The right under Article 25(1) is absolute and cannot be curtailed on any ground whatsoever.
  2. The freedom of conscience is available to all persons, whereas the freedom of speech and expression is guaranteed only to citizens.
  3. Any practice that an individual honestly claims to be religious is necessarily protected under Article 25(1), irrespective of considerations of public order or health.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 2 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q11. Which one of the following statements about the composition and first appearance of Vande Mataram is correct?

  • A. It first appeared in the novel Anandamath in 1882, and was reprinted only later in the journal Bangadarshan.
  • B. It was written in the 1870s but remained unpublished until Rabindranath Tagore set it to music and sang it in 1896.
  • C. It first appeared in the journal Bangadarshan in 1875, several years before it was carried in the novel Anandamath.
  • D. It was composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay for the Calcutta session of the Indian National Congress at which Tagore first sang it.

Q12. Consider the following statements regarding the Supreme Court's directions on playing the National Anthem in cinema halls: 1. In November 2016, on a public interest petition filed by Shyam Narayan Chouksey, the Court directed that the National Anthem be played in all cinema halls before the screening of a feature film, with those present obliged to stand. 2. In January 2018, a bench headed by the Chief Justice of India modified that direction and made the playing of the National Anthem in cinema halls optional rather than obligatory. 3. The 2018 modification also withdrew the exemption from standing that had earlier been granted to persons with disabilities. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. In November 2016, on a public interest petition filed by Shyam Narayan Chouksey, the Court directed that the National Anthem be played in all cinema halls before the screening of a feature film, with those present obliged to stand.
  2. In January 2018, a bench headed by the Chief Justice of India modified that direction and made the playing of the National Anthem in cinema halls optional rather than obligatory.
  3. The 2018 modification also withdrew the exemption from standing that had earlier been granted to persons with disabilities.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 1 and 2 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3