New Delhi: Was the Tiranga Yatra, which led to violence in UP’s Kasganj district, in violation of the rules laid down for hoisting the national flag? Does one require permission from authorities to carry out such yatras?
These and several other questions are now posed before the inter-ministerial committee set up by the Supreme Court. The committee, which was originally formed over the national anthem in theatres debate, may seek public opinion on the question of “respect for national emblems, flags and anthem”.
They have also decided to study the best practices followed in other countries. “Schools and other educational institutions may be approached to seek their views on the subject,” said an officer, who is a part of the committee. The MHA website might seek public opinion on the matter as well.
The protocol followed in countries like Russia, Australia, USA and China, among others, will be deliberated upon before a decision is taken on the need to amend existing rules.
“In China, for example, it is a punishable offence to disrespect the flag. It depends on what level of societal development you are on,” a senior officer, who is part of the committee, told News18.
The committee last met on January 19 and is scheduled to meet again in the next seven days. “We might also speak to the petitioner who went to the Supreme Court on the anthem in cinema halls issue,” a committee member told News18.
The Ministry of Home Affairs, in its guidelines, has said that for artistic representation of the anthem in films, theatres etc., it is not necessary to stand up. The 11-member committee, headed by an additional secretary level officer of MHA, though, will examine all guidelines, rules and codes.
Joint secretary-level officers from HRD, Culture, Law and Justice, Women and Child Development, Information and Broadcasting and External Affairs are all likely to come up with their suggestions during the next meeting.
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