MHA tells states to ensure no commercial exploitation of National Anthem

The Centre has asked all states to ensure that there is no commercial exploitation or dramatisation of the National Anthem and all movie halls must show National Flag on the screen while the Anthem is being played. 

In a communication to Chief Secretaries of all states and Union Territories, the Home Ministry said there shall be no commercial exploitation to give financial advantage or any kind of benefit.

But there is possibility of a political row as the states may raise their objection to this. This directive may be considered to be an “overreach” by the Centre and a forced imposition of patriotism over those who visit the cinema halls to simply watch a movie.

The order mentions: “There shall be no commercial exploitation to give financial advantage or any kind of benefit. To elaborate, the National Anthem should not be utilised by which the person involved with it either directly or indirectly shall have any commercial benefit or any other benefit.”

It also mentioned that: “There shall not be dramatisation of the National Anthem and it should not be included as a part of any variety show. It is because when the National Anthem is sung or played it is imperative on the part of every one present to show due respect and honour. To think of a dramatised exhibition of the National Anthem is absolutely inconceivable.”

The government also said the National Anthem or a part of it shall not be printed on any object and also never be displayed in such a manner at such places which may be disgraceful to its status and tantamount to disrespect.

“It is because when the National Anthem is sung, the concept of protocol associated with it has its inherent roots in National identity, National integrity and Constitutional Patriotism,” MHA added.

The Supreme Court directed that all the cinema halls in India shall play the National Anthem before the feature film starts and all present in the hall are obliged to stand up to show respect to the National Anthem. The advisory came in the wake of Supreme Court’s November 30 order relating to the National Anthem and take necessary action in this regard.