Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'SC corrects itself?' that was published in Newsband

SC corrects itself?

Supreme Court has made playing of the national anthem before a film optional. The Supreme Court has removed the coercive element it had introduced by an interim order in November 2016. The court has said it is not mandatory to play it in cinema halls. The panel will also suggest changes in the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971

The court’s earlier order had some unintended, but not unforeseen, consequences. The audience began looking for signs of ‘disrespect’ and there were reports of vigilantism, with people beaten up or harangued for not standing up.

It is always better to start such type of patriotic moves from the highest temple of democracy I.e. Parliament and then let it percolate to lower strata of the democratic institutions. Strictly speaking such playing in public places and functions other than rare State functions should be banned. Making anything common-place would ensure that respect would diminish. A person walking away when such anthem is played at a cheap function does not become unpatriotic by that act and one who stands up does not by that act become patriotic.

Patriotism if imposed without others' willingness is a pseudo one which has no integrity and relevance. The National Anthem must be heartily paid an honour to its dignity. It is a duty mentioned to keep due respect and to stand while listening to it, its tune or both. In a mature democracy as our country has the moral rather than statutory restrictions can be a big solution to the fight that our national symbols are not getting their proper respect. Playing in cinema halls before a start up of a movie that we are a great and die-hard believers in symbols. Symbols are made by us; it should not happen that they start to make and direct us what we are. Let us start a journey where there must be no restrictions on our belief and trust.

The real fact is that all Indians from their heart are patriot and love their country and give respect to the national anthem and does not need certificate from the Centre.

But when a National anthem is played in international places, even others who are not nationals, would stand up and respect the anthem! Nationals, must have the decency and respect for their flag and anthem. That respect is conveyed generally by standing up in a solemn manner! It is so puzzling to think that someone sees it as a burden!!