SC rejects plea for compulsory participation of people in R-day and I-Day event

The Supreme Court on Friday rejected a plea for making it compulsory for the citizens to participate in Independence and Republic Day celebrations.

A three-judge bench presided over by Chief Justice J S Khehar said we can't ask Parliament to frame laws. The court said such kind of prayers can't be allowed. "Why don't you fight elections and raise such issues in Parliament," the bench told the petitioner.

The bench, also comprising Justices D Y Chandrachud and Sanjay Kishan Kaul turned down another plea to issue directives for preventing alleged insult to national anthem and national flag. The PIL was filed by Kerala resident Sabu Stephen.

Among others, the petitioner sought directions to ensure flags are hoisted properly and due respect to be shown to national anthem. In a separate matter, the apex court had on November 30, 2016 made it compulsory for movie halls to play national anthem before shows and directed the people present to stand up as a mark of respect.