The controversy over standing up for the National Anthem continues. On Monday, Mumbai daily Mumbai Mirror reported the case of a man who was assaulted for not standing up for the National Anthem while it was playing during a movie. This is despite the fact that a 2015 notice by the Ministry of Home Affairs states, “Whenever the Anthem is sung or played, the audience shall stand to attention. However, when in the course of a newsreel or documentary the Anthem is played as a part of the film, it is not expected of the audience to stand as standing is bound to interrupt the exhibition of the film and would create disorder and confusion rather than add to the dignity of the Anthem. “
According to the Mumbai Mirror report, the victim and his wife had stood for the National Anthem before the movie played, whilst standing in an empty theatre. However, when the National Anthem played again in the middle of the movie, they were accosted by a man, allegedly drunk, who punched the victim on the face. The accused has since been arrested.
Ever since the Supreme Court ruling on December 1, 2016, there have been attacks on individuals for not standing up for the National Anthem. “Universalism is alright but still Bharat is the epitome of culture, knowledge... Gyaan and Vigyaan... people should feel that they live in a nation and show respect to the national anthem and the national flag,” the apex court had ruled.
However, the decision has resulted in several attacks across the country where even disabled individuals have been attacked for not standing for the National Anthem. This is despite the fact that a December 21 guideline issued by the Home Ministry modified the apex court’s order that exempted physically challenged people from standing during the national anthem. According to a Hindustan Times report on Sunday, the Home Ministry has said that people with disabilities should not move and position themselves “maintaining the maximum possible alertness physically”.
The latest decision has sparked debate over the ministry’s decision, given that the disabled have already raised their issues in a Monday article shared by India Today.
But the fundamental question we ask our readers is this
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