A video shows the chief minister talking to his chief secretary and nudging him multiple times while the national anthem was playing. His actions were caught on camera, and the video has since gone viral.
Bihar, Muzaffarpur : Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has landed in controversy over an alleged disrespect to the national anthem during an event in Patna.
A petition has now been filed in a Muzaffarpur court, demanding police action against him under relevant laws.
Advocate Suraj Kumar has filed a plea before the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (West) in Muzaffarpur. He alleged that the chief minister insulted the national anthem, which has “brought disrepute to the state.”
The petition seeks police action against Nitish Kumar under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Prevention of Insult to National Honour Act.
The court has scheduled the matter for a hearing on March 25.
What is the punishment for disrespecting the national flag?
Under Section 2 of The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, anyone who, in a public place or within public view, burns, mutilates, defaces, defiles, disfigures, destroys, tramples upon, or otherwise shows disrespect to the Indian National Flag or the Constitution of India, whether through words (spoken or written) or actions, shall face imprisonment of up to three years, a fine, or both.
Additionally, Section 3A stipulates that if a person, after being convicted under Section 2 or Section 3, commits the offence again, they shall face a minimum imprisonment of one year for the second and each subsequent offence.
Under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) of 2023, Section 79 addresses the punishment for acts that insult the Indian National Flag or the Constitution of India. Specifically, it states that anyone who, in a public place or within public view, burns, mutilates, defaces, defiles, disfigures, destroys, tramples upon, or otherwise shows disrespect to the Indian National Flag or the Constitution shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.
The controversy began when Nitish Kumar attended the inaugural ceremony of a sporting event in Patna on Thursday.
A video shows the chief minister talking to his chief secretary and nudging him multiple times while the national anthem was playing. His actions were caught on camera, and the video has since gone viral.
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav shared the video on his X handle and strongly criticized the chief minister. He said:
“Let us remind you that you are the chief minister of a large state. You are not stable physically or mentally even for a few seconds. Your continuance in the position is a matter of grave concern for the state. Do not repeatedly insult Bihar like this.”
Tejashwi’s remarks indicate that the RJD is using Nitish Kumar’s health as a political issue, as Bihar heads into elections later this year.
Despite the growing criticism, the JD(U) has dismissed concerns about Nitish Kumar’s health. His son, Nishant Kumar, along with party members, has denied any claims that the chief minister is unfit.
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