Not standing up for the National Anthem will be disrespect, but not an offence : J&K HC

Dr. Tawseef Ahmad Bhat acquitted of the case.

• The people feel that such a verdict will give official permission to the separatist-minded people in Kashmir to insult the National Anthem.
• Disrespect of the National Anthem is a serious offence. The Centre should pass a law to imprison offenders, only then people will refrain from insulting the Nation.
• However, it will be an offence under Section 3 of the Act if the conduct of a person prevents the singing of the National Anthem or causes disturbance in the assembly engaged in such singing. It is punishable with imprisonment of up to three years.

Srinagar – The J&K HC observed, ‘Not standing up for the National Anthem when sung may amount to disrespect of the National Anthem; however, the same is not an offence under the Prevention of Insult to National Honour Act. Justice Sanjeev Kumar quashed the FIR against Dr. Tawseef Ahmad Bhat.

“राष्ट्रगान के लिए खड़े नहीं होना या चुप रहना मौलिक कर्तव्यों का पालन करने में अनादर और विफलता के बराबर हो सकता है; लेकिन यह अपराध नहीं”: जम्मू-कश्मीर हाईकोर्ट #NationalAnthem #FundamentalDuties #J&KHC https://t.co/vjZWFWzWEn

— लाइव लॉ हिंदी (@LivelawH) July 10, 2021

What is the case ?

A function was organised on 29th September 2018 at Government Degree College, Kathua for celebrating the ‘surgical strike’ conducted by the Indian Army. Dr. Tawseef Ahmad Bhat did not stand up for the National Anthem sung during the function. He was charged with insulting the National Anthem.