Incident in Tamil Nadu Assembly
Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi left the Assembly without delivering the customary address.
His grievance: the National Anthem was not played before his address.
The Raj Bhavan claimed the Constitution and National Anthem were insulted.
Emphasized respecting the National Anthem as a fundamental duty enshrined in the Constitution.
Practices in Tamil Nadu and Other States
‘Tamil Thai Vaazhthu’ (State Anthem) is played at the beginning, and the National Anthem at the end of the Governor’s address.
Introduced in 1991 during AIADMK rule under Jayalalithaa.
Other States practices vary. For example:
In Nagaland, the National Anthem wasn’t played for decades until February 2021 under R.N. Ravi’s governorship.
Tripura introduced the National Anthem in its Assembly only in March 2018.
National Practice for President’s Address
Before the Address: The National Anthem is played as the President takes the dais.
After the Address: The National Anthem is played again when the President leaves.
Legal and Constitutional Provisions
Article 51(A)(a): Citizens must respect the National Anthem and National Flag.
Ministry of Home Affairs Guidelines: The National Anthem is to be played on specific ceremonial occasions (e.g., investitures, parades, formal state functions).
Mass Singing Requirement: The anthem is sung during cultural or ceremonial events, flag unfurling, or at government/public functions involving the President.
Judicial Precedents : Madras High Court (2019):
Petition: Sought rules for penalizing officials for not playing the National Anthem at an official function.
The court dismissed the plea, stating there is no mandatory rule to play the National Anthem at all official functions.
It is a customary practice, not a legal mandate.
Conclusion
The controversy underscores the tension between constitutional conventions, state-specific practices, and broader interpretations of national symbols.
While playing the National Anthem is a respected tradition, its omission may not necessarily violate legal mandates unless explicitly required by law.
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