9 Reasons Why Making the National Anthem Mandatory Is A Bad Idea

Hyper-nationalism is on the rise and we expect our courts to reign it in. But that’s clearly not happening.

Imaged edited by The Quint/Veeru Krishan Mohan.

Let me begin with a disclaimer – I’m a proud desh bhakt. I love singing my national anthem with great pride. But I don’t wear my nationalism on my sleeve. That’s why I find the Supreme Court order about mandatory playing of national anthem in cinema halls quite worrying. And I have 9 reasons to say so:

1. What’s the logical connection between theatres and the national anthem? Why not in music concerts? Circuses? If public gatherings are the target, the best place is a wedding reception! Why single out theatres?
2. Legal experts like Soli Sorabjee and Rajeev Dhawan have called this order “beyond Constitution” and “judicial overreach”. Is it the court’s job to instill patriotism in people?
3. Patriotism is a good virtue, but why force people to stand up? There are better ways to do the job.
4. Who will enforce this order? If you don’t stand up, will the theatre owner be held responsible? Will there be police inside the hall? Or will you be at the mercy of fellow patriots?
5. Remember, a family was asked to get out of a Mumbai theatre. A disabled writer was thrashed in Goa for not standing up during the national anthem. So, this order is just inviting more mob justice!
6. Yes, the national anthem was played in cinema halls in the 50s and 60s. But India was a new, unstable country then. Now, we’re a mature democracy. Also, ask yourself: why does no other major country follow this practice?
7. Jingoism and hyper-nationalism is on the rise. We expect our courts to keep this trend in check. But clearly, that isn’t happening.
8. Many say refusing to sing or stand during the anthem is their freedom of expression, which is guaranteed by the Constitution. Surely, they have a point? Wouldn’t it be a total over-reaction to brand them as ‘anti-national’?
9. And finally.. when I’m out to watch a film with my friends on a Saturday night, please allow me to relax and enjoy myself. Why is the state interfering? Am I expected to be patriotic all the time and everywhere?

We all love India, but it isn’t fair to ask us to prove it every weekend!

Cameraman: Chintamani Wagh, Video Editor: Veeru Krishan Mohan