Madras HC makes National Anthem mandatory in schools

The Madras High Court has made National Anthem mandatory in all schools including private institutions.

Hearing a public interest litigation , the first bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjay Kishen Kaul and Justice MM Sundaresh directed the Central and State education departments to make endeavours to verify whether the National Anthem is being sung in all private schools during the morning assembly.

The petitioner contended, while the state and central government-run schools follow the instruction to sing the National Anthem, some private schools do not honour the obligation.

The Central Board of Secondary Education CBSE in its reply said a circular has been issued in November last insisting singing the National Anthem with decorum and to respect the National Flag.