By TwoCircles.net Staff Reporter
The police on Monday took seven people into custody for not standing up while national anthem was being played in theatre during the ongoing International Film Festival of Keala (IFFK). The seven, which included a law student, were taken into custody from Nishagandhi open theatre during the screening of Egyptian movie ‘Clash’.
However, they were later released after a warning.
Ahead of the festival, responding to the court order, Minister for Cultural Affairs in Kerala AK Balan had said that people have the choice whether to stand up or to sit while national anthem is played.
Kerala state Chalachitra Academy chairman Kamal had also stated that the academy would take steps to get relaxation from the Supreme Court order.
Besides, Academy vice chairperson Bina Paul Venugopal had also stated that the academy may go to the court seeking relaxation.
However, while speaking to a local channel, Kamal termed the incident unfortunate and said that the organisers had given directives to delegates and viewers in this regard ahead to the festival.