While most Indians do not find logic in playing the National Anthem before a movie screening, the Supreme Court has taken another decision and this time it is for the foreign tourists. The Court insists that foreigners too must stand when the National Anthem is played in the theaters.
Supreme court bench of justices, Dipak Misra and Amitava Roy refused to exempt foreigners from sitting during the National Anthem. The decision has irked the Kerala based film society as the 21st International Film Festival is going to be held in Thiruvananthapuram from December 9th through the 12th. More than a hundred foreign delegates are participating in the event and will have to stand up at least five times during film screening.
This will cause hassle among the delegates as patriotism cannot be forced on anyone. The judges of the Supreme Court have admitted that the issue, “if fundamental duties are only applicable to the citizens of India and not on foreign nationals” has to be discussed and the debate will take place during the next hearing on December 14.
At this point, Justice Amitava Roy said he was surprised by the argument and went on to say, “Why should we recall our order to oblige the foreign delegates? At all international events when national anthem of a country is played, all stand up to show respect. What is the problem in our country? Why should there be the exemption for anyone?” He continued saying aloud, “You are trying to create a contingency by citing foreign delegates. You have said they will have to stand 5 times when national anthem is played. I would say why not 20 times?”
The bench has exempted physically challenged from standing during the national anthem but has given a period of 10 days to the center to frame guidelines and specify an alternative manner in which the cine-goers of physically challenged category can be made to show respect to the Anthem. The new rule was brought to make the citizens respect the National Anthem and the reason that most of the Indians do not understand the meaning of the Anthem is completely justified. But why only a movie theatre? Why not the schools and universities? why not public meetings and ceremonies?
Countries like the United States of America does not discipline its citizens for failing to stand up during the national anthem. Italy on the other hand, plays the anthem during sporting events, formal state ceremonies and during the public rallies attended by its President. Thailand has a different concept altogether. Their national anthem is played every day on television from 6 to 8 am. But India, as a Country will now be remembered where movie theatres are the main site of demonstration of patriotism.
