Mamata Banerjee Challenges Summons Over National Anthem Controversy

West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, has approached the Bombay High Court to challenge the summons issued by the Sewri Metropolitan Magistrate Court. The summons was issued based on a complaint filed by state BJP functionary, Vivekanand Gupta, alleging that Banerjee disrespected the national anthem during a visit to Mumbai. Banerjee’s appeal claims that the summons should have been quashed by the sessions court that was hearing her challenge, rather than directing the magistrate to look at the complaint afresh.

Gupta’s complaint alleged that Banerjee remained seated while the national anthem was being played during a function in January 2022 at the Yashwantrao Chavan Auditorium in Mumbai, and stood up midway and walked away abruptly. The magistrate court had issued a summons to Banerjee and asked her to respond by March 2. However, Banerjee challenged the summons in the sessions court and sought quashing of the same. The session judge set aside the summons and asked the magistrate to reconsider the complaint.

Banerjee’s appeal, filed through MZM Legal, claims that the January 12 order of the special judge, which set aside the summons issued to her by the magistrate court on procedural grounds, was not maintainable. The appeal claims that the special judge could not have remanded the complaint back to the magistrate as the application was for quashing the summons.

The controversy has sparked a debate on whether standing up for the national anthem should be mandatory, especially in public places. The appeal is expected to come up for a hearing on March 27.

The controversy highlights the need for a nuanced discussion on issues concerning national symbols and their significance, especially from a woman’s perspective.

Staff Reporter