Can We File a Complaint Against a Cinema That Doesn’t Play the National Anthem?

For many, playing the national anthem before a movie is not just a legal obligation but a sign of respect and patriotism. However, what should you do if a cinema theater fails to comply with this rule? In this article, we will discuss the steps you can take to file a complaint and the legal aspects involved.

Legal Obligations

The Supreme Court of India, by an order passed in 2017, has made it mandatory to play the national anthem before every movie. This directive is intended to honor the anthem as a symbol of national pride and to recognize movies as an art form.

The inclusion of such a directive reinforces the idea that respecting the national anthem is not limited to sporting events but also applies to public and semi-public venues. This ruling aims to inculcate a sense of nationalism and unity among citizens, making the act of playing the anthem before films a mandatory practice within cinema theaters.

Steps to File a Complaint

While the directive is clear, ensuring compliance is another matter. If you find a cinema theater that fails to play the national anthem, you can take the following steps to address the issue:

Identify the Right Entity

The first step is to identify the right entity to file a complaint against. For a franchised cinema, this can be more complex. The franchise owner may not be responsible for every aspect of the operations. Instead, you should seek the legal department of the corporate entity that owns the franchise. If the cinema is owned directly by a single entity, you should file your complaint against the manager or the owner.

Prepare Your Complaint

Your complaint should be detailed and well-prepared. Include the following information:

The specific date of the incident The exact time the movie premiered The precise address of the cinema The name of the national anthem that was not played Your reason for finding the behavior offensive Any legal grounds you have to back your complaint

Be specific about what you want the court to do. This could include a demand for the theater to cease such behavior in the future, or a request for compensation for any inconvenience caused.

File the Complaint

Once your complaint is prepared, you can file it in a small claims court or a regular civil court, depending on the nature and scope of the issue. Small claims courts are often more accessible and less formal, making them a suitable option for such matters.

Further Legal Considerations

After filing your complaint, the theater may contest it in court. It is important to be prepared for this and to have all supporting documentation ready. This includes confirmation of the date and time of the incident, witness testimonials, and any other evidence that supports your claim.

Legal action should be a last resort. Many authorities, including the National Anthem (Preservation of Dignity and Respect) Act, 2017, provide mechanisms for reporting such incidents. Local authorities, consumer rights groups, and other organizations might be able to provide additional support or intervention.

Closing Remarks

While the process of filing a complaint may seem daunting, it is important to stand up against any form of disrespect towards the national anthem. By following these steps and preparing your case well, you can contribute to maintaining the dignity and respect for this symbol of national pride.

Additionally, it is always advisable to share your experiences and concerns on social media platforms or through community groups. These platforms can help amplify your voice and bring attention to such issues.