At least six persons were taken into custody for allegedly showing disrespect to the national anthem after they refused to stand up while it was being played at the ongoing International Film Festival of Kerala. An Indian Express report said 12 persons had been taken into custody.
They refused to stand up while the national anthem was being played in Kannakakunnu Nishagandhi open air theatre at IFFK, police said.
Even after the policemen who were present at the hall requested them to stand, they did not budge.
IFFK organisers and Director of Chalachitra Academy Charmin Kamal also asked the six persons to stand up, but they refused.
Later, police took them to the Museum police station. (Read: Group assaults 3 students in Chennai theatre for sitting through national anthem)
Meanwhile, DGP Loknath Behra directed police to keep a watch all those who show disrespect to national anthem during the film festival. He also directed the officials to take into custody those who insult the national anthem.
Earlier in the day, BJP’s Yuva Morcha filed a complaint seeking action against the persons, who refused to stand up while playing national anthem, as per the recent directives of the Supreme Court.
Incidentally, the law doesn’t really specify the punishment for not standing up for the national anthem in theatres.