Mumbai: A metropolitan magistrate court in Mumbai issued summons to West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee after a BJP representative filed a complaint in December against Banerjee for insulting and disrespecting the national anthem in a public function held in Mumbai in December.
In its order, the 25th court Mazgaon in Sewree which was hearing the complaint, after perusing all the videos of the event and available evidence, stated, “It is prima-facie evident from the complaint, video clip in the DVD and video clips on Youtube links, that the accused had sung National Anthem and stopped abruptly and left the dias which prima-facie prove that the accused has committed punishable under section 3 the Prevention of Insults to National Honor Act, 1971. The prima-facie evidence brought on record by the complainant is sufficient to issue process against the accused.” The court also stated that no official sanction is required as Banerjee was not discharging her officials duties as the Chief Minister in the said public function.
The court in its order issued summons to Banerjee for March 2 under section 3 the Prevention of Insults to National Honor Act, 1971, and relevant sections of the CRPC.
As per the complaint filed by Vivekanand Gupta, BJP Mumbai Secretary, and an advocate, Banerjee insulted the national anthem at the function and prayed for the court to direct the police to file an FIR against Banerjee.
According to the complaint, Banerjee was attending a public function in the presence of several dignitaries at Y B Chavan Auditorium in Cuff Parade and at the end of the programme, Banerjee was seen in sitting position and singing the national anthem and later she stood up and sang two verses and abruptly stopped singing the national anthem and left the venue. The video went viral of social media leading to strong reactions and outrage.
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