All parties support apex court order on national anthem

Inside Parliament, there was rare unanimity across the political spectrum over the Supreme Court order on playing the national anthem in cinema halls before screening of any film.

Congress leaders came out in support of the Supreme Court order, but had a word of caution on its implementation.

“We welcome the Supreme Court order in principle. Its implementation has to be seen carefully. I am sure, care will be taken by every individual,” AICC spokesman Abhishek Manu Singhvi told reporters here.

“In the process of its implementation, we should not create disrespect for any national icons,” he said.

Information and Broadcasting Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said playing the national anthem before screening of movies will inculcate a sense of patriotism among people, particularly in the younger generation.

“BJP welcomes this order and commends the court for this. It will strengthen the spirit of nationalism. National anthem and the Tri-colour unite us as a nation and this unity will be further strengthened,” BJP National Secretary Shrikant Sharma said.

Samajwadi Party leader Ram Gopal Yadav also welcomed the order. “It is a good decision and I welcome it,” he said.

AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi wondered whether somebody could be made a patriot by the Supreme Court order. “It (SC order) is alright and it has to be followed. But, will this help see a rise in patriotism or nationalism,” he asked.

Owaisi said the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, and the Union Home Ministry’s advisory regarding the national anthem does not talk about citizens requiring to stand up when the anthem is being rendered.

“The Supreme Court order means that you will have to amend the 1971 Act and the MHA Advisory,” Owaisi said.