National Anthem Rules: What Happens If You Don’t Stand?

In India, insulting the national anthem is a crime under the 1971 Act, punishable by jail or a fine. However, the law does not explicitly mandate standing up during the anthem.

Indian law doesn't clearly state that failing to stand for the national anthem results in jail time or a fine. The act only considers "disrupting or preventing the anthem" an offense.

Home Ministry orders state that "whenever the national anthem is sung or played, everyone present should stand to show respect." However, there are no penalties associated with this.

In 2016, the Supreme Court directed people to stand for the anthem in cinemas. This wasn't a punishment, and the court later clarified it's not mandatory during a film or documentary.

The Supreme Court linked "standing up" to patriotism and respect but didn't impose any punishment. It's considered a social and moral guideline.

Some High Courts have opined that failing to stand or sing during the anthem may show disrespect, but it's not a criminal offense unless the person acts to "prevent the singing."

In some cases, like at an international film festival, people were arrested for not standing. However, the law wasn't strictly enforced, and they were later released.

Article 51A(a) says respecting the anthem is a duty, but not legally punishable. There's no penalty for not standing. A crime only occurs if someone intentionally disrupts the anthem.