Accused forged affidavits to acquire more than 1 plot under reserved category

ROHTAK: The district police on Friday booked 16 people, including serving and retired army personnel of the ranks of Major, Colonel and Lieutenant Colonel, for fraudulently acquiring more than one plot in Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA) under the reserved category by allegedly submitting false affidavits and defying the laid norms. Sources say most of the accused belong to Rohtak and Jhajjar. ROHTAK: The district police on Friday booked 16 people, including serving and retired army personnel of the ranks of Major, Colonel and Lieutenant Colonel, for fraudulently acquiring more than one plot in Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA) under the reserved category by allegedly submitting false affidavits and defying the laid norms.

The Punjab and Haryana high court in 2013 had directed the officials to probe a similar case of allotment, after which more such people came under the scanner of HUDA.

Sources say most of the accused belong to Rohtak and Jhajjar.

The complaint was submitted by an estate officer of HUDA, who stated that as per their policy, terms and conditions, an applicant can avail the benefit of allotment of plot under the reserved category only once in a lifetime.

“However, all these accused gained the benefit more than once by submitting false affidavits and concealing facts,” the complainant stated.

“The accused applicants were issued showcause notices to justify the allotment of more than one plot, however, they failed to give a response,” he added.

One of the accused was allotted a plot in Sector 2 in Rohtak in 2001, based on his affidavit and other documents.

However, the department, in its inquiry, found that he already owned a plot in Sector 45 in Gurgaon which was alloted to him in 1998 under the reserved category.

Based on the estate officer’s complaint, the police have registered separate first information reports (FIRs) against each of the accused under Sections 193 (punishment for false evidence), 420 (cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property) and other suitable sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

SHO Urban Estate Ramesh Kumar said they were in the process of identifying more such cases.

The Punjab and Haryana high court in 2013 had directed the officials to probe a similar case of allotment, after which more such people came under the scanner of HUDA.

Sources said the government was ordering an inquiry to identify senior bureaucrats who also allegedly took advantage of the policy by defying the norms.

Army officers ‘gave’ false affidavits for HUDA plots

16 FIRs registered in Rohtak; 24 more complaints lodged by dept

Sunit Dhawan

Tribune News Service

Rohtak, December 30

Several cases of applicants submitting false affidavits for the allotment of HUDA plots under reserved categories have come to light.These applicants, who include several serving as well as retired officers of the armed forces, had allegedly concealed facts and given false affidavits to get more than one HUDA plot by hoodwinking the department.HUDA Estate Officer Amit Kumar Gulia told The Tribune that they had lodged 40 complaints against the applicants who had concealed facts and submitted false affidavits for allotment of multiple plots.“After detecting undue claims and concealment of facts in affidavits, we gave show-cause notices to the applicants under the scanner. When no response was received from the applicants or the response was found to be unsatisfactory, we proceeded with the registration of FIRs,” he maintained.Gulia revealed that the applicants against whom the police complaints had been lodged included serving as well as former Army officers up to the rank of Brigadier. Such applicants also included paramilitary officials and members of other reserved categories, he added.Rohtak SP Pankaj Nain confirmed to The Tribune that that the registration of FIRs was in progress on complaints received by the HUDA authorities in this regard and further investigation would be carried out subsequently.At the time of filing of this report, an official police spokesperson disclosed that 16 FIRs had been registered and registration of more FIRs was in progress.Nearly 30 such FIRs had been registered in Rohtak on similar grounds about a year ago. The HUDA authorities across the state had been filing police complaints regarding allotment of multiple plots on the basis of concealment of facts and submission of false affidavits.

NEW DELHI: India’s future main battle tank, the T-90MS ‘Tagil’, which will be license manufactured in Avadi in Chennai, will not be equipped with new-generation active protection systems that destroy incoming missiles and shells before they can hit the tank. Active protection systems have saved the lives of dozens of tank crew deployed in Israeli combat operations in Gaza and have now been deployed by the Russian Army in operations in Syria.

For decades, tanks have depended on their armour to protect their crew from enemy shells and anti-tank guided missiles. However, the singular vulnerability of modern tanks to the latest anti-tank guided missiles in the ongoing Iraq and Syria conflicts have raised serious question marks on the ability of armour alone to prevent casualties among tank crews.

Active protection systems are meant to counter this threat. Radars fitted on tanks detect the launch of hostile missiles and tank shells, predict their incoming trajectory and launch guided ammunition that can destroy or deflect hostile projectiles upto 50 metres away from the tank. The ensuing blast destroys the enemy missile, rocket propelled grenade or shell before it can pierce the armour of the tank.
NDTV has learned that the Russian ‘Arena’ active protection system and the Israeli ‘Trophy’ system were both being considered for the Indian Army’s new T-90MS tanks based on the formidable reputation they have earned during combat. However, the ‘Arena’ system was withdrawn from the competition at the technical evaluation stage prior to field trials being held because it did not meet the technical criterion spelt out by the Indian Army.

The withdrawal of the ‘Arena’ resulted in a single-vendor situation with only the Israeli ‘Trophy’ remaining in the race. This is a scenario the government looks to avoid in major defence purchases since it no longer has the ability to choose the least expensive system among the shortlisted options available. Accordingly, in late October this year, the Defence Acquisition Committee rejected the import of all active protection systems. These were likely to have cost approximately Rs. 2 crore per tank. Now, the government has ordered a feasibility study to see if the systems can be developed in the country under the government’s flagship ‘Make in India’ programme which may involve a joint venture with a foreign firm.
Israeli Trophy Active Protection System mounted on Israeli Army Merkava IV tank
The delay in the acquisition of active defence systems for its tanks is a cause of concern for the Indian Army. Videos of the conflict in Syria and Iraq uploaded by rebel fighters on YouTube clearly show modern American-built M1 A1 ‘Abrams’ and German designed Leopard 2A4 tanks being destroyed by Russian or American anti-tank guided missiles which have been supplied to rebel fighters. According to the website ‘War is Boring’ which has monitored the conflict in Syria, “There’s no fewer than 1,800 T-55, T-62 and T-72 tanks plus BMP fighting vehicles exploded, burned, disabled or seized by rebels – with potentially thousands of crewmen also being killed injured or captured.”

In November, the government cleared a Rs. 13,448 crore deal to acquire 464 brand-new T-90MS ‘Tagil’ tanks. India already operates more than 800 T-90S tanks first delivered by Russia in 2001. These are considerably less capable than the T-90MS which has now been ordered. All T-90s form the cutting edge of the Indian Army’s armoured formations and would be an integral part of any offensive across Punjab and Rajasthan in the event of war with Pakistan. At the moment, no tank in Indian Army service has an active protection system.

In an unprecedented move, the government of India arrested a former Chief of Air Staff for allegedly facilitating a helicopter deal for personal gratification. It is the first ever such incident in the history of democratic India, although a serving Chief was earlier dismissed from the service most unceremoniously. Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Vishnu Bhagwat was sacked in December 1998 under the provisions of the constitution of India and the principle of civilian supremacy. A terse note from the Additional Secretary, Ministry of Defence, was handed over to him, relieving him from the service with immediate effect. How then Defence Minister George Fernandes was able to prevail over the statesman like Prime Minister to dismiss the Chief in this reckless manner was rather surprising.

In the case of the former Air Chief S P Tyagi too, the Modi government seems to have acted rather irrationally. Why arrest him now at this juncture? Apparently, his arrest had not been seriously deliberated. Interestingly, in both cases it is the NDA government that has taken this drastic step.

EXERCISE RESTRAINT

This habit of belittling or humiliating the Service Chiefs publicly is fraught with danger. They are institutions in themselves. They function on the basis of traditions, loyalty, and morale. The services have their own characteristic ethos, which is not easy for an outsider to understand. The implications of affecting the morale of one and a half million men who look up to their Chiefs with awe and reverence must not be lost sight of. Their institutional sanctity must be maintained. They should be treated with a certain degree of restraint and caution. The best of the armies come a cropper because of low morale and doubtful loyalty. There are better ways of dealing with errant officers.

The government has displayed total insensitivity by first dismissing the naval Chief unceremoniously and now arresting a former Air Chief hastily. Surely softer options were available to the government in both the cases. The naval Chief could have been moved out laterally elsewhere or even asked to resign quietly. View this in the light of Chief of Army Staff, General K S Thimayya’s resignation, which jolted Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. He literally beseeched the Chief to withdraw his resignation, knowing full well its consequences. In the case of the former Air Chief’s arrest, he could well have been dealt later along with the bigger fish, if found culpable. Where was the hurry to arrest him now amidst all this publicity? The government action has created ripples in the air force and dealt a severe blow to the morale of the entire defence community. The government does not realise that the bond between the serving and the retired defence personnel is very strong. The presence of a large number of senior retired air force and army officers in the court was a clear manifestation of this bond. Loyalty still plays an important role in the services.

SIMMERING DISCONTENT

Apparently, the government doesn’t seem to be aware of the widespread discontent that exists in the armed forces at present. Their progressive downgradation, problems pertaining to OROP and the Seventh Pay Commission, deteriorating civil-military relations have all led to a general discontent in the armed forces. And now to make matters worse, the CBI has gone and arrested a former Chief of Air Staff under intense media scrutiny.

It goes to the credit of military leadership that this simmering discontent within the armed forces has not been allowed to manifest into some sort of popular reaction. The defence forces are the only institution that are not yet sullied, and the only one that keep the integrity of the nation intact. They certainly deserve a better treatment from the nation. Pushing them hard will only force them crossing the threshold. India’s armed forces may not revolt as they did in 1857 and 1946, but let us not forget the 1997 air force revolt that was no less than a mutiny.

It’s a serious matter that may affect the national security in the long run. The government must ensure that such incidents do not dent the morale of the armed forces and create a sense of insecurity amongst them. The feeling that the Chiefs can be got rid of easily can have a devastating effect on the rank and file. The notion that the Chiefs who stand up for a cause can be dispensed with easily can affect the very functioning of the higher hierarchy in the armed forces, which is neither good for the government nor for the services.

Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani visits the border area. Courtesy: Twitter

Manas Dasgupta

Tribune News Service

Ahmedabad, December 24

On the pattern of Wagah border, the Gujarat government with the clearance from the Centre has opened another India-Pakistan border point for public viewing.“Border tourism” will now become a major attraction for the visitors to Gujarat in addition to the famous Somnath and Dwarka temples, the Asiatic lion sanctuary in Gir and other important tourist spots.Suigam border with Pakistan in Banaskantha district of north Gujarat will be thrown open to the visitors from the country every Saturday and Sunday.(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) A special “Beating the Retreat” ceremony — akin to the one performed at Wagah — was organised by the Border Security Force at Suigam border this evening in the presence of Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, except that there was no one present from the Pakistan side.Rupani assured governmental assistance for higher education to the children of the Army and BSF personnel killed or permanently disabled in action. He also promised to complete construction of mobile towers on the borders at the earliest to enable the personnel to stay constantly in touch with their families.He announced that in the next budget, the government would make all electronic goods purchased by the Army and BSF jawans tax-free.

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar. — File photo

New Delhi, December 21Lieutenant General Praveen Bakshi met Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar at the South Block here on Wednesday in the wake of ongoing controversy surrounding the appointment of Lieutenant General Bipin Rawat as the new Army Chief.The meeting between the two came days after Lieutenant General Bakshi, who headed the Eastern Command, was superseded by Lieutenant General Rawat for the top post.The opposition has questioned the government’s decision and demanded an explanation regarding the appointment.The government has, however, clarified that Lieutenant General Rawat was found best suited to deal with emerging challenges, including a reorganised and restructured military force in the north, continuing terrorism and proxy war from the west, and the situation in the North-East.According to Ministry of Defence (MoD) sources, Lt Gen Rawat has tremendous hands on experience of serving in combat areas and at various functional levels in the Indian Army over the last three decades.He has handled various operational responsibilities in many areas including along the LoC with Pakistan, the LAC with China and in the North-East. — ANI

Fazilka, December 16

Tributes were paid to 206 soldiers who laid down their lives in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war in the Fazilka sector, at the Asfawala War Memorial, 7 km from Fazilka, as part of Vijay Diwas.On the occiasion, family members of the martyrs were honoured.Sandeep Gilhotra, president, Shaheedon Ki Samadhi Committee, said the Fazilka sector suffered the maximum casualties (206) against the total of 1,600 soldiers of the country in the war.Abohar: Punjabi Sabhyachar Manch and other NGOs honoured ex-serviceman Sharat Chander Sharma (74) and retd Major Surinder Prasad. — OC

Ex-servicemen, soldiers demand status of war fighters

Army men pay tribute to martyrs on the occasion of Vijay Diwas at the War Memorial in Dharamsala on Friday. Photo: Kamaljeet

Shimla: Ex-servicemen on Friday demanded war fighter status for all serving and ex-servicemen, who fought wars for the country. They raised the demand on occasion of Vijay Diwas. They said they should be given all benefits that the Ministry of Defence gave to the freedom fighters. “Time has come to recognise the contribution of these unsung war fighters of the nation to motivate young people to join the armed forces,” they asserted. “To give war medals to these ex-soldiers is nothing more than a lollipop,” says Capt (retd) Jagdish Verma, president, Honorary Commissioned Officers’ Welfare Association of Himachal Pradesh, which has been championing the cause of the serving and ex-soldiers in the state for many years. “We appreciate both state and Central governments for increasing the monetary and other benefits for war heroes and war widows,” said Lt (retd) BM Dogra, Indian Navy. Kuldeep Chauhan

Chinar Corps pays tributes to martyrs on Vijay Diwas

15 Corps GOC Lt Gen JS Sandhu pays homage to the martyrs in Srinagar on Friday. Tribune photo

Srinagar, December 16

The Srinagar-based 15 Corps of the Army, also known as the Chinar Corps, celebrated the 45th anniversary of the Army’s victory in the 1971 Indo-Pak war and commemorated the sacrifices of those who laid down their lives.Lt Gen JS Sandhu, General Officer Commanding, Chinar Corps, paid homage to the martyrs by laying a wreath at the war memorial here on behalf of the Army fraternity. A function was organised at the war memorial in the Badami Bagh Cantonment, Srinagar, where rich tributes were paid to those who laid down their lives in the Indo-Pak war.The day is celebrated every year as ‘Vijay Diwas’ to commemorate the Army’s victory in the 1971 Indo-Pak war. The Chinar Corps had the responsibility of J&K during the war. The day was also celebrated at various Army formations and units across the Kashmir valley, an Army spokesman said. — TNS

Our Correspondent

Ambala, December 15

The Kharga Corps celebrated the 45th Vijay Divas at Vijay Smarak here today.A wreath was laid at the War Memorial by Lt-Gen MM Naravane, General Officer Commanding, to pay homage to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the motherland.Vijay Divas commemorates the victory of India in the 1971 Indo-Pak war which culminated in the liberation of Bangladesh.In one of the fastest and shortest campaigns of military history, a new nation was created.Also known as the ‘Lightening Campaign’, 93,000 prisoners of war surrendered to the Indian Army at the end of the operation.

Seminar on Indo-Pak conflict

Amritsar, December 15

Folklore Research Academy will hold a seminar on “Indo-Pak conflict: Let live the people” here on December 18.Prof Bawa Singh, former chairman, Minority Commission, Jammu and Kashmir’s former MP AR Shaheen, UP’s former MP Shahed Sidiqqi, Satnam Singh Manak, Assistant Editor of a Punjabi daily, Parmod Jamwal, Editor, Kashmir Times, PN Puniyal and Pushpindera Kulshreshtha, both senior journalists, will deliver talks on the subject.Elections for the executive of Folklore Research Academy will also be held on this occasion. — TNS

Brig HS Sodhi, who played an instrumental role in Bangladesh war, dies at 89

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 15

Brig Harinder Singh Sodhi (retd), who had commanded the fourth battalion of the 4th Gurkha Rifles at Sikkim in 1964 and a mountain brigade, which played an instrumental role in the Bangladesh war, was cremated here today. He was 89 and passed away on Wednesday, informed a family member.He is survived by his wife Harjit Sodhi, son Jasbir Singh, daughter-in-law Neelam Sodhi and daughters Nishi Coday and Kiran.Born on January 27, 1927, at Gujranwala (now in Pakistan), Brigadier Sodhi had received his initial education at a local school in Guru Har Sahai before moving to Aitchison College in Lahore. Later, he went to the RIMC in Dehradun. He joined the Indian Military Academy in 1946 and was commissioned into the 4th Gurkha Rifles on December 22, 1947.After commanding the fourth battalion of the 4th Gurkha Rifles at Sikkim in 1964, Brigadier Sodhi became commandant of the 14th Gurkha Training Centre in Subathu. Later, he moved on to command a mountain brigade, which played an instrumental role in the Bangladesh war. He went into the war with just a walking stick and refused to carry a weapon. Brigadier Sodhi was a prolific sportsman and keen swimmer and polo player.He took premature retirement in 1976 to be with his family and to peruse his passion for writing. He was a keen military historian and had written seven books about the Indian Army.

Chaos prevailed as an Army truck collided with a car on Mall Road, which led to a traffic jam in Bathinda on Monday. Photo: Vijay Kumar

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, December 12

An Army truck collided with a car on Mall Road, which led to chaos in the area.The incident occurred in the afternoon when the truck, coming from the railway station side, collided with the car.While the car driver said his vehicle was hit from the rear side, the Army’s truck driver refuted the accusation and said the car was taken out from a parking area.The arguments between the Army man and the car driver led to traffic jam which extended to around a kilometre.Traffic police officials said the Army’s driver refused to shift his vehicle saying that his senior officers would come and take stock of the matter.The situation was brought under control after around two-and-a-half hours with much persuasion. No case has been registered in this regard by the police.Meanwhile, chaos was witnessed on the Barnala road near Rose Garden Chowk due to the widening of the road.Daily commuters said the ill planned way of widening the road caused inconvenience to.“The authorities concerned and the contractor involved in the widening of the road refused to listen to the grievances of the complainants,” said Ashok Kumar, a recent victim of a road accident on the stretch.

Charu Chhibber

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 3

The first annual lecture of The Tribune National Security Forum delivered at the Golden Jubilee Hall of Panjab University here today was indeed an evening to remember. With the who’s who of the region in attendance, the 19th Chief of Army Staff General VP Malik (retd) delivered an enlightening lecture on ‘Defence at 70 – National Security, Yesterday and Tomorrow’ to a houseful of retired Army generals and brigadiers, educationists and eminent journalists.Prof Sardara Singh Johl, internationally acclaimed agriculture economist, policy adviser, Padma Bhushan awardee, and first Chancellor of the Central University of Punjab, Bathinda (CUPB), presided over the lecture. Also present on the occasion were Dr Harish Khare, Editor-in-Chief, The Tribune Group of Newspapers and Gurbachan Jagat, former Governor of Manipur, former Director General of Police and trustee of The Tribune Trust.Addressing the gathering, Gen Malik emphasised that everyone in the country must work together. “In any conflict, it is essential to achieve synergy through integration and jointness,” he opined.Reminiscing about his days when at the helm of affairs during the Kargil war and the role of media, Gen Malik said, “I was happy and satisfied during the Kargil war. I got immense support from the media. No matter what was written or said, I have no complaints to make whatsoever. There were mistakes made by the Army and media but I would not question that.” Gen Malik said, “Despite being the most dependable brand in the country, the military is no longer the prime choice of youngsters today.  The quality of soldiering, if we continue like this, is on its way out in India. It will affect the morale and fighting spirit of the forces. Our political leadership must introspect and correct this aspect sooner than later.” He exhorted the media to play a responsible and greater role in promoting thinking leadership. “Editors, please do not remain behind your desks. Open up. In our country, leaders are required at all levels. Only then we can progress. You can be the catalysts of that progress,” he insisted. Prof Johl, while addressing the gathering, recalled days from his early career. He spoke at length about his association with The Tribune since the early 1960s. He appreciated The Tribune’s efforts towards leading initiatives such as the lecture today and hoped that more would come along the way.Quoting the founder of The Tribune Group of Newspapers, Sardar Dyal Singh Majithia, Dr Harish Khare said, “In matters of religion, we should maintain a strictly neutral position. On social topics, our sympathies will be with gentle and cautious course of reforms.”He added that 135 years after this was said, “I don’t think anybody has been able to improve upon it but it is in this spirit that we thought we should begin some kind of a public interaction.”Gurbachan Jagat walked down the memory lane, reminiscing about his days at J&K, where he met Gen Malik and got acquainted with the “human and professional in him.”The speeches and lecture was followed by an equally stimulating question and answer round, wherein members of the audience raised a number of questions with the panelists.

EXPRESSIONSThe first annual lecture of The Tribune National Security Forum was delivered at the Golden Jubilee Hall of Panjab University in Chandigarh on Saturday with the who’s who of the region in attendance. Tribune reporter Charu Chhibber spoke to a cross-section of the audience that comprised highly decorated retired Army generals and brigadiers, educationists and eminent journalists.It is a great initiative by The Tribune through which we came to know about the weaknesses of the defence and administrative structure. I would love to be a part of more such lectures and interactions.—Ishwar Singh Duhan, former dig, itbpIt was a good lecture. I need to thank Dr Harish Khare for taking the initiative of raising the security issue, which has always been a sore arm. A very good point was raised that farmers along the border areas, who always help the forces, if they are not satisfied, can greatly impact national security.—Lt Gen Harbhajan Singh (retd), signals officer-in-chief at army headquartersIt was a very lucid talk delivered by Gen Malik. He covered most issues faced by India on the security front. He raised a very important point that there is lack of interface between the armed forced and the political class. Dr Johl said there is a clash of interests between the armed forces and economy, and I totally agree with him. We need to balance that out. —Lt Gen RS Sujlana (retd), former commandant, ima & chairman, punjab public service commissionIt was an excellent interactive session today. It was a great pleasure listening to one of the most knowledgeable soldiers of the country, Gen Malik. I hope other media houses, especially newspapers, take up this sort of an initiative and create a dialogue between the forces and politicians.— Mandeep Bajwa, columnistThe discussion at The Tribune National Security Forum was about sensitising the general public about national security. Rather than delegating the concern just to the Army, we were encouraged to talk about the situation and ask for long-term solutions. Also, making policies around a long-term vision rather than piecemeal solutions was highlighted as the need of the hour. General Malik held fort like a true soldier and tackled the topic well. A great initiative by The Tribune and looking forward to many more.—Vandana Saxena, principal, tribune model schoolIt was fascinating to get an insight into the state of the country’s national security from one of the country’s most distinguished Army Chiefs who has successfully fought a war. It is a good initiative taken by The Tribune.—Atul Khanna, director, strawberry fields high school

The Supreme Court rules that the national anthem will mandatorily play before any show in cinema halls. So, is it the right move to instil a feeling of nationalism among people? Well,opinions vary

Mona

Our national anthem has made it to national news the second time around this year. First when Amitabh Bachchan was taken to task for not singing it correctly ahead of India versus Pakistan ICC World Twenty20 match this March and now with the Supreme Court’s ruling, which has again brought Tagore’s creation into focus. So is making the national anthem a must in cinemas before the show starts a push towards nationalism?Good moveSays Kamalpreet Singh, B Com student, “We as a country seriously lack national pride, so it is a step in a right direction.” “Unlike many other nations, in India elders preach self before anyone else. Nation isn’t even on the radar,” adds Kamalpreet.Agrees Ojaswee Sharma, a filmmaker from the city, “In the hullaballoo of life, don’t many of us just forget to recognise our nation as integral part of our identity? Sparing a minute is hardly a demand that cannot to conceded.” Bhupesh Rana, just out of a film show, rather enjoys it, “In our highly fragmented society, this is a great move?”Priya Krishnan, biotechnology student from UIET, labels it as a good move, but feels it would cut no ice. “While I am all for the current government and its decisions, there is so much more to be done starting right from our education system. There is a huge need to open up as a society before we make India realise its true potential and feel proud as Indians.”Flip side“Though I have not read the judgement, yet in my personal opinion it is not a correct decision,” shares Harish Mehla, advocate, High Court, and founder Chandigarh Creative Cinema Circle. “No one can be prosecuted for not doing fundamental duties,” he points out. He feels that such a decision might lead to disrespect on the contrary. “You cannot infuse patriotism by forcing anyone to stand for the national anthem,” he fears, duly clarifying that singing or not singing the anthem is no parameter to judge his love for the country.Here’s what Bollywood celebs have to sayKABIR BEDI Verified account ?@iKabirBedi Cinemas are great places to enjoy the #national anthem, in Dolby sound; our flag fluttering vibrantly, in Panavision. Good decision! Anupam Kher Retweeted

Sonam Mahajan ?@AsYouNotWish

When SC remains open at 3 am to hear a terrorist’s mercy plea, it’s justice.When SC directs you to sing #NationalAnthem, it’s fascism.arvind swami ?@thearvindswami

With all due respects, Why should the national anthem be played before the start of a movie? Can anyone explain …. ??Shirish Kunder Verified account

#NationalAnthem ruling is a good initiative towards patriotism. The movie Border should also be compulsory before every movie screening.Ram Gopal Varma Verified account Like lead actor giving anti tobacco msg shouldn’t lead character of every film compulsorily sing #NationalAnthem  twice b4 nd aftr interval?rahul dholakia ?@rahuldholakia

Why single out cinema halls for #NationalAnthem ? Why not play it in planes, trains, malls, every public platform ?? Shekhar Gupta Verified account ?@ShekharGupta  How will SC enforce its #NationalAnthem order? By ordering a cop in every show, or simply crowd-sourcing it to self-appointed vigilantes?mona@tribunemail.com

Saluting the Flag

Apex court over-reaches itself

It seems the Age of Firmans is firmly upon us. One day one constitutional authority issues a firman to demonetise currency notes, and, then keeps on issuing firman after firman, amending the original firman. Now the Supreme Court has joined in the fun. A two-judge bench has decreed that national anthem must be played in cinema halls before a feature film starts and all those present inside the hall would be obliged to stand up as a mark of respect. No one should have a reason to quibble with the sentiment behind the hon’ble court’s order. Their Lordships, though, have left it rather vague as to what happens to anyone who may seem to be in less than total compliance with the judicial firman. Their Lordships have made it clear that they expect all the Chief Secretaries to enforce the judicial order. Suddenly, one more minatory layer stands imposed on the citizens. All nation-states are artificial constructs. Consequently, all societies find themselves having to devise collective symbols of veneration and respect; and, all societies expect their citizens to observe the rites of outward obeisance to national symbols, flags, anthems. The society and its institutions like schools take it upon themselves to inculcate among the young a sense of collective solidarity, a bond of belonging. We have also exquisitely crafted republican rites like the Republic Day Parade and the Independence Day celebration at the Red Fort. Like other nations, we have our own rituals and ceremonies to reaffirm and restate our collective existence.   Yet there is something less than reassuring in this essay in judicial populism.  It is neither the role nor the place of the judiciary to insist on instilling “a sense of committed patriotism and nationalism.” That is a task best left to social reformers, political demagogues and cultural taste-makers. Nationalism is a noble sentiment; its spiritual luminosity is sufficient in itself of extracting a coherence of belief, loyalty and instant respect from the citizen. An enforced nationalism can only be a shallow, and perhaps, a shabby bond. Even without the benefit of a judicial firman, India and its people are perfectly capable of producing a joyful celebration of our collective destiny and dreams. Jai Hind!