SP Rank Officer Asked To Investigate Matter Involving Politician ‘Not Standing Up’ for National Anthem

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Police have initiated a preliminary enquiry after a politician, from ruling party National Conference, purportedly ‘didn’t stood up’ during the playing of national anthem on the eve of oath-taking ceremony of Omar Abdullah.

“Police has taken cognizance of an incident where an individual did not stand up during the playing of National Anthem,” Police said in an ‘X’ post.

“A Preliminary Enquiry by an SP rank officer under section 173 (3) of the BNSS has been initiated, and electronic evidence is being analysed for further course of legal action,” the post reads.

Notably, the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 prohibits the desecration or insult of national symbols, including the national anthem. Violating the rules to honor the national anthem can result in a fine, up to three years in prison, or both.