Eleven people, including two women, were arrested on Monday by Kerala Police at the ongoing International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) in Thiruvananthapuram for not standing when the national anthem was played before the movie screening.
Six people, including a woman, remained seated when the national anthem was playing before the screening of the Arabic movie ‘Clash’ at the Nishagandhi auditorium.
According to a Times of India report, five people were arrested later at around 8: 30 pm from the same venue.
All of the arrested were later released off on personal bail. They were charged case under section 188 of IPC that deals with the disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant.
The police action came after the right wing group Yuva Morcha activists complained to the Director General of Police Loknath Behra.
Media report suggested that police personnel were also presented among the audience.
Meanwhile, Kerala DGP Loknath Behra directed the police to keep a watch all those who show disrespect to the national anthem during festival. He also directed officials to take in custody those who insult the national anthem, Business Standard reported.
On Friday, a film society based in Kerala has moved to the Supreme Court seeking exemption for IFFK on the previous order as approximately 490 movies are being screened at the festival. But, the top court did not provide any relief.
On Sunday, three people were allegedly beaten up for refusing to stand for the national anthem in a theatre in Chennai. Police also registered case against seven people.
