Days after the Supreme Court directed cinema halls across the country to play national anthem in theatres, a youth and two students were allegedly beaten up in a theatre in Chennai for not standing up during the national anthem.
According to The Hindu, a case have been registered against seven people, including a woman, for “insulting” national anthem under the provisions of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971,. The incident took place in Kasi theatre in Ashok Nagar.
A Times of India report said that when the national anthem was played in the beginning of movie, seven to eight people reportedly remained seated. During the interval, one Vijayakumar grabbed Viji, a freelancing movie reviewer, by the collar and demanded why he did not stand up for the national anthem. In an argument that ensued, 20 people ganged up and rained blows on Viji and two women Sabaritha and Shreela.
“We were harassed and manhandled by the men. They issued life threats and assaulted us. We did not have any intention to show disrespect,” TOI quoted Shreela as saying.
Vijayakumar told TOI that the group of eight were taking selfies and applauding when national anthem was being played.
The victims also alleged that none of the audience came for their rescue.
In the past, a handicapped person from Goa was thrashed up and a youth from Kerala was charged with sedition for not standing during the national anthem.
