Patriotism or hooliganism? Three beaten at a Chennai theatre for not standing up for national anthem

The trio was taking selfies when the anthem was played which led to the altercation

By: News Desk |
December 12, 2016 12:01 pm

Violent scenes were witnessed at a Chennai theatre on Sunday afternoon when a group of 20 people attacked a young man and two women students for not standing up for the national anthem.

The incident took place during the screening of ‘Chennai 28-II’ at Kasi theatre. The violence ensued after an argument between the two parties. Around nine people had not stood up when the anthem was being as per the recent Supreme Court ruling.

As per reports, the trio was taking selfies when the anthem was played which led to the altercation.

Also Read: SC national anthem ruling holds for film-fests too; no exemption for foreign guests

As per the Supreme Court order, all theaters have been asked to play the national anthem before the screening of every movie with an aim to instill patriotism among people. However, the apex court has exempted physically disabled people from the order.

Also Read: No need for disabled to stand up for national anthem in movie theatres: Supreme Court

A case has been registered by the Chennai Police against seven people under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act and the Indian Penal Code. A separate complaint has also been filed by one of the victims accusing the attackers of abusing her for not standing when the anthem was being played.

Also Read: The price 3 kids in Kerala paid for hyper-nationalism around national anthem

As per the court directive, the national flag is to be displayed on the screen while the national anthem is being played. The court also ruled that commercial use of the national anthem will not be allowed.

The Court also commented that too much importance was being given to individually perceived notions of freedom.

The directive had come in response to PIL filed by Shyam Narayan Chouksey seeking directions for playing the national anthem in cinema halls before a movie begins. The plea had also mentioned a number of suggestions to avoid the disrespect of the national anthem including strict guidelines of no commercial exploitation to gain financial benefit of any kind. The PIL had also stated that there no should no “dramatisation” of the national anthem.