National Anthem Disrespect Case: Mumbai Court Directs Police Investigation Into Complaint Filed Against Mamata Banerjee

A Mumbai court has recently directed a police investigation into a complaint filed against West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee alleging disrespect for the national anthem. Metropolitan judge PI Mokashi directed the Cuffe Parade police station to submit its report to the court on April 28.

The Court stated that the police may summon Banerjee during the inquiry to record her statement, among other evidences, before preparing the report.

The Magistrate has ordered an inquiry into the alleged commission of an offence under Section 3 of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act.

The Magistrate postponed the issuing of process against Banerjee until the receipt of report was received.

The Magistrate’s decision came just hours after the Bombay High Court denied Banerjee’s application seeking to quash the case.

The complaint was filed against Banerjee by BJP Mumbai Secretary Vivekanand Gupta, who claimed that during a public function at the Yashwantrao Chavan Auditorium on Cuffe Parade in Mumbai, Banerjee began singing the National Anthem while sitting and then stood up and sang two verses before abruptly stopping and leaving the venue.

He claimed that Banerjee’s actions constituted an insult and contempt to the National Anthem, which is punishable under the 1971 Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act. Gupta filed a complaint with the Metropolitan Magistrate in Sewree, Mumbai, who summoned Banerjee to appear on March 2, 2022.

Banerjee contested the same before the Sessions Court, which dismissed the summons and remanded the case to the Magistrate for further review. Banerjee then moved the High Court challenging the Sessions Court ruling, which was dismissed on Wednesday.

The Magistrate Court then passed an order directing an investigation against Banerjee.