BJP Can’t Force Nationalism: Cong on SC’s National Anthem Order

The Supreme Court said playing the national anthem in theatres is no longer mandatory.

The Supreme Court reviews the previous order that made it compulsory for cinema-goers to stand for the national anthem in theatres.

(Photo: Altered by The Quint)

On Tuesday, 9 January, the Supreme Court altered its previous order mandating the playing of the national anthem in cinema theatres before the movie begun, saying it is no longer compulsory.

In an attempt to instil ‘nationalism’ and ‘patriotism’, the Supreme court directed an order on 30 November 2016 to movie halls across the country to play the national anthem in cinema theatres.

The order issued by the SC has triggered a political battle with Congress leader Renuka Chowdhury saying that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had created a lot of unnecessary drama over the issue and there was no need to inculcate nationalism amongst Indians.

Does the central government understand now? The BJP created a lot of drama over this issue. They want to prove their patriotism. Every Indian pays his/her respect when the national anthem is played. Even when it plays in our rooms, we stand up. Nobody needs their validation for being a nationalist.

Renuka Chowdhury, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha

AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi welcomed the SC’s order by saying the RSS and the BJP supporters targeted minorities over the apex court’s previous order .

Under the previous order many people were harassed, especially the minorities. Handicapped people were targeted by the so called vigilantes supporting the BJP and the RSS. Now, the Supreme Court has taken a good decision. We don’t need national anthem to be played in cinema hall.

Asaddudin Owaisi, President, AIMIM

Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad lashed out at the Congress for “changing their stance” on playing the national anthem in movie theatres.

I am not only surprised but amused by the statement made by the Congress party on the national anthem. Many Congress leaders took a divergent stand when such an order was passed. Now, they are putting the blame at our doors.

Ravi Shankar Prasad, Union Minister

A day before the order, the Centre told the Supreme Court that it had set up an inter-ministerial committee to decide on the issue of playing the national anthem in movie theatres and public places. Requesting a period of six months to come up with the said rules, the Centre asked the Supreme Court to put its 30 November 2016 order on hold, reported Hindustan Times.

Video Editor: Mohd Irshad Alam