Protocol breached

In a breach of protocol, the organisers of a conference on “Alternative Dispute Resolution - Conciliation and Mediation” at a private hotel on Saturday played the nadageethe first instead of the national anthem despite the presence of Governor Hans Raj Bhardwaj and Chief Justice of India K G Balakrishnan.

This left the Governor furious. As soon as the recorded version of the nadageethe (Jayabharatha...) began playing, Bhardwaj directed the organisers to stop it and asked them to play the national anthem. When one of the organisers came forward to offer an explanation, the Governor said, “Play the national anthem first. Do not breach the protocol. You can play the nadageethe later.”

He was so upset that he also directed the person anchoring the inauguration of the conference to tender an apology. It is a protocol that the national anthem should be played first at any function attended by the Governor, who is a constitutional head of the State. CM Yeddyurappa was also present.