Meet SN Chouksey, Whose PIL Prompted SC’s National Anthem Ruling

Shyam Narayan Chouksey has been fighting for over 15 years to ensure that people pay respect to our national anthem.

Shyam Narayan Chouksey has been tirelessly fighting for over 15 years to ensure that people pay respect to our national anthem. (Photo: The Quint)

One person who is delighted with the recent Supreme Court ruling which makes it mandatory for citizens to rise during the national anthem before the screening of movies in theaters is Shyam Narayan Chouksey.

The Quint got in touch with the Bhopal-based social activist Chouksey to learn what he is celebrating about the verdict.

The Bhopal-based-social activist has been tirelessly fighting for over 15 years to ensure that people pay respect to our national anthem.

His battle to ensure a law was passed in his favour began in 2001, when he watched Karan Johar’s blockbuster film, Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham.

When the national anthem scene appeared in the movie, I stood up. But I was the only person standing. Those behind me said that I was obstructing their view — instead of standing up they asked me to sit down. It hurt me.

Shyam Narayan Chouksey

An upset Chouksey filed a PIL in Madhya Pradesh High Court in Jabalpur where he demanded a ban on the commercial use of the anthem. As a result, the film’s screening was halted by the divisional bench. The stay was retracted later.

Years later, armed with evidence of insult to the national anthem, Chouksey filed a petition in the Supreme Court in September seeking an appropriate order.

Video Editor: Mohd Irshad Alam

(Video inputs from Rosheena Zehra)

Camera person: Dinesh Shukla