Shooter Heena Sidhu Speaks Out Against SC’s National Anthem Order

Heena Sidhu asked why had the SC mixed entertainment with patriotism.

(Photo Courtesy: Twitter/@HeenaSidhu10)

Pistol Shooter Heena Sidhu spoke out against those who disrespect the National Anthem in movie theaters by not standing up. The two-time Olympian also spoke against the Supreme Court’s order making the Anthem mandatory in cinema halls.

Sidhu’s reaction came after she saw a video of some men taking a selfie in a theatre while the National Anthem was being played. Sidhu called it a blatant disrespect and said it made her wonder why the Supreme Court had passed such an order which mixed entertainment with patriotism.

Venting out her anger on Twitter, the shooter said, “Getting a medal wouldnt be half as gud without d Anthem [sic]”.

Reflecting on its November 2016 order, the Supreme Court had on 23 October observed that we do not need to wear our patriotism on our sleeves, and that just because someone doesn’t stand up for the anthem, doesn’t mean that they are not patriotic.

While there is no change in the status quo at present, the Court had asked the Indian government to look into the matter and decide if regulations are needed.

Questioning SC’s stand, Sidhu said, “first SC mixed patriotism with entertainment now they say duty towards National Anthem is optional”.

Sidhu said that the apex court’s order gives rogue elements a chance of openly disrespecting the Anthem. The shooter said:

First SC said National Anthem will be played before movies, then it made standing for it optional. It gives rogue elements chance to openly disrespect it. It mustn’t be played before movies, people come there for entertainment.

In the past other sports persons have also spoken for the National Anthem.

Reacting to the SC’s comments in October, cricketer Gautam Gambhir had defended the rule of playing the Anthem in theatres.

Paralympian Deepa Malik had also tweeted in the defence of the rule, saying the only time she misses her legs is when she can’t stand for the National Anthem.