Will SC verdict on national anthem boost patriotism, asks Owaisi

SC directed theatres must play the national anthem before the screening of a film

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi welcomed the Supreme Court's direction on Wednesday that cinema halls across the country must play national anthem before the screening of a film, but wondered if it would help boost the feeling of patriotism.

Talking to reporters outside Parliament, Owaisi said the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 and the Union Home Ministry's advisory regarding the national anthem do not talk about citizens requiring to stand up when the anthem is being rendered, and suggested to the government to amend the law and revise the advisory.

The act prohibits desecration of or insult to the Constitution, national anthem, flag and the country's map.

"It (the directive) is alright and it has to be followed. But the question is whether it requires people to stand up when the anthem is being rendered? Will this help see rise in patriotism or nationalism?" Owaisi asked.

Referring to a report about a disabled person being beaten up for allegedly not standing up while the national anthem was being played at a multiplex in Goa last month, Owaisi sought to know "what can be done in this regard".

"What I believe (is that) children should be taught about (respecting anthem) from very young age... The government needs to amend the 1971 act and correct the MHA advisory," the Hyderabad MP said, adding that he was for patriotism.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed that cinema halls across the country must play the national anthem before the screening of a film and people should stand up as a mark of respect.