‘Playing the National Anthem in the Cinema halls’ is the most talked topic in the country today and it has become a big debate between people supporting and opposing it. It all started in December 2016 when Supreme Court has come up with a surprising verdict saying that National Anthem is must in cinema halls. Soon, the rule was strictly followed in theaters since then.
The Apex court ended up saying that it is mandatory for movie theaters to play the National Anthem before a movie starts, along with visuals of the national flag and it should not be dramatized or exploited commercially. The Supreme Court further stated that all those inside the theater must rise and pay attention when the National Anthem is being played on the screen.
Though some prominent people went against this, many supported the act, called it a gesture of patriotism. While this is going on one side, many celebrities from the film industry, politicians and sportspersons opened and fearlessly spoke about their view on the rule. Much has been talked about the rule of standing in respect of National Anthem in cinema halls.
People even came forward saying that patriotism can’t be justified by just standing when the national anthem is played. It has much deeper meaning and there should be no compulsion to stand while the national anthem is playing in cinema halls. There are people who feel that standing in the respect of national anthem is the least a citizen can do for their country.
However, recently the Supreme Court ruled out this rule. Accepting attorney general K K Venugopal’s suggestion, the bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dipak Misra said playing of the national anthem in cinema halls will henceforth be optional.
But the debate is not yet over. The decision made it even more intense as an Indian soldier himself took to Twitter to share his views. Major Gaurav Arya wrote, “If you can’t stand for the national anthem, don’t expect me to stand for you – An Indian Soldier.”
If you can’t stand for the national anthem, don’t expect me to stand for you.
– An Indian Soldier
— Major Gaurav Arya (@majorgauravarya) January 9, 2018
The tweet stroked controversy and got different opinions. There are a few soldiers who reacted and said they don’t agree with his opinion.
Immature! I’ve been a soldier longer than this ‘keeper of faith’ and I will stand for all Indians, whether they stand for the national anthem or not! https://t.co/N3L8EQtXLa
— Abraham C (@iAbrahamC) January 11, 2018
Not really. The INDIAN SOLDIER stands for the Nation and dies for the Flag. He disregards & ignores such people BUT will STILL sacrifice his life for them. Thats why HE is a soldier. https://t.co/hYSEiNYb0T
— Ajay Ramakrishnan (@whirlybirdguy) January 10, 2018
Twitter Reactions:
He is blackmailing people . Shame on this major .
— Geet Kaur (@Kashmiri_Kurii) January 10, 2018
You don’t & can’t speak on behalf of all Indian soldiers.
– An Indian citizen https://t.co/gXop355Yhe
— Prerna Bakshi (@bprerna) January 10, 2018
U certainly never deserved to be a soldier.
Good that u r out of army.
Indian army is not above Indian constitution.
Get a life.— Gaur (@borntudor94) January 12, 2018
These are not the words of an Indian soldier. A “Republic’s” major should make better statements.
— Harshvardhan Singh (@ChouhanSinghH) January 12, 2018
1/ With all the respect may I ask you this. In a confrontation situation the enemies or terrorists pulled a trap by playing our #NationalAnthem. What will you do Sir; stand for the National Anthem or pickup the rifle and keep on firing? https://t.co/rl5qdcg0dT
— Sunil Ananthapuri (@sunilupdate) January 10, 2018
A true soldier will never say that. The oath is to protect the country n it’s people under any circumstances- son of a soldier
— Ronnie Lahiri (@ronnielahiri) January 10, 2018
You’re retired anyway. You only stand for Modi, Shah, and Arnab now https://t.co/1jRh5naCYR
— IndiaExplained (@IndiaExplained) January 10, 2018
If you can’t defend every citizen of your country, don’t bother becoming an Indian soldier. https://t.co/kbQuqtosVV
— Amitabh Dubey (@dubeyamitabh) January 10, 2018
Stand in the TV studio? TV host and former Indian soldier by your own admission, certainly not one who can speak for all. https://t.co/suXLcjp5Hs
— Karuna Nundy (@karunanundy) January 10, 2018
What do you say about this? Share your views with us in the comments section below.