Disrespect to National Anthem: Bombay HC Quashes Mamata’s Plea to Dismiss Case

Mumbai: The Bombay High Court on Wednesday dismissed a petition by West Bengal Chief Minister (CM) Mamata Banerjee seeking dismissal of a criminal complaint filed against her by a BJP leader alleging that she disrespected the National Anthem. Justice Amit Borkar of the Bombay High Court passed this order.

BJP’s Mumbai Secretary Vivekanand Gupta had filed this case against her. The complaint against the TMC chief alleged that during a public function at Yashwantrao Chavan Auditorium at Cuffe Parade in Mumbai, Banerjee had started singing the National Anthem in the sitting position and later stood up and sang two stanzas of the Anthem before abruptly stopping and leaving the venue.

The BJP leader alleged that her act amounted to an insult and disrespect to the National Anthem, which is an offence punishable under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act of 1971.

Gupta filed a complaint before the magistrate, who issued an order summoning Banerjee to appear on March 2, 2022.

Banerjee challenged it at the sessions court, which set aside the summons and remanded the matter back to the magistrate for fresh consideration. So, the Bengal CM moved Bombay High Court challenging the same.