UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Cabinet gives nod to make insult to Vande Mataram an offence

Q1. With reference to the Union Cabinet's decision (May 2026) to amend the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, consider the following statements: 1. The amendment seeks to insert Vande Mataram into Section 3 of the parent Act. 2. The proposed punishment for insulting Vande Mataram is identical to that prescribed for insulting the National Anthem — imprisonment up to three years, or fine, or both. 3. The amendment is being piloted by the Ministry of Home Affairs. 4. The amendment confers on Vande Mataram the constitutional status of a National Anthem for the first time. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The amendment seeks to insert Vande Mataram into Section 3 of the parent Act.
  2. The proposed punishment for insulting Vande Mataram is identical to that prescribed for insulting the National Anthem — imprisonment up to three years, or fine, or both.
  3. The amendment is being piloted by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
  4. The amendment confers on Vande Mataram the constitutional status of a National Anthem for the first time.
  • A. 1, 2 and 3 only
  • B. 2, 3 and 4 only
  • C. 1 and 4 only
  • D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q2. Which one of the following statements correctly describes the legal status of Vande Mataram in the Republic of India?

  • A. It was declared the National Song by an article inserted into Part IV-A (Fundamental Duties) of the Constitution.
  • B. It was accorded equal status of honour with the National Anthem by a proclamation of the President of India on 24 January 1950, and not by any provision of the Constitution.
  • C. It was declared the second National Anthem by a resolution of the Constituent Assembly on 26 November 1949.
  • D. It was conferred the status of National Song by the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.

Q3. With reference to the legal protection extended to the National Anthem under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 and that proposed for Vande Mataram by the Union Cabinet in May 2026, consider the following statements: 1. The maximum imprisonment proposed for insulting Vande Mataram is the same as that prescribed for preventing the singing of the National Anthem. 2. Both protections are being routed through Section 3 of the same parent Act. 3. Unlike the National Anthem, the legal protection to Vande Mataram is being extended through a constitutional amendment rather than by amending the 1971 Act. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The maximum imprisonment proposed for insulting Vande Mataram is the same as that prescribed for preventing the singing of the National Anthem.
  2. Both protections are being routed through Section 3 of the same parent Act.
  3. Unlike the National Anthem, the legal protection to Vande Mataram is being extended through a constitutional amendment rather than by amending the 1971 Act.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 1 and 2 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q4. Which one of the following Union ministries is the nodal ministry for the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 and is piloting the proposed amendment to bring Vande Mataram within its ambit?

  • A. Ministry of Culture
  • B. Ministry of Law and Justice
  • C. Ministry of Home Affairs
  • D. Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs