There is no need for an Indian to wear his patriotism on his sleeve said Justice D.Y. Chandrachud.
The Supreme Court judge Justice D.Y. Chandrachud criticized the logic behind the 30th November 2016 order mandating people to stand in respect while the national anthem is played before a show in cinema theatres.
Judge Chandrachud was a part of the three judge bench lead by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra. As it happens, it was Judge Misra who passed the 2016 order. He insisted that practice would instill a feeling of patriotism and nationalism.
Observing the Flag Code, Judge Chandrachud vocalized that cinema hall is a place for entertainment and not propriety. He countered the 2016 law by commenting “You don’t have to stand up at a cinema hall to be perceived as patriotic.”
Justice Chandrachud voiced that cultural and social values are educated by parents not what the court enforces through order.
After an hour long session, the court said it was the fundamental duty of every citizen to respect the national anthem and national flag and it was desirable that the anthem be played in public events but judiciary should not step in to make it mandatory in cinema halls. It granted the Centre time till January 9 to “take a call one way or the other” on framing of rules on playing of national anthem in theatres and other public events.
“We can say ‘may’ instead of ‘shall’ in our order which would allow the government to bring the law,” the bench said. It asked the Centre to take a decision without being influenced by its interim order.
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