National anthem used to promote Big Boss 6 show, Centre asked to act

The Centre was today asked by the Delhi High Court to take action against a leading television channel for allegedly misusing the national anthem in various cinema halls for "commercial" promotion of its popular reality show Big Boss 6.

A bench of Chief Justice D Murugesan and Justice Rajiv Sahai Endlaw asked the Centre to take action within a week on a plea which accused television channel Colours of misusing the national anthem and "hurting the sentiments of citizens of India."

"In the wake of serious allegations levelled by the petitioner that the national anthem is disrespected, we direct the Central government to treat this PIL as representation and the grievances will be dealt with in accordance with the law. Necessary action would be taken by the concerned ministry against the respondents within a week," said the bench.

The PIL had been filed by advocate Jeetender Gupta who accused the TV channel Colours of misusing the national anthem to promote 'Big Boss 6' in various city multiplexes and movie halls in other parts of the country.

Gupta's petition explained to the court that during screening of movies, theatres and multiplexes randomly display an advertisement of TV show Big Boss 6, followed by an announcement for the audiences that "the Big Boss wants you all to stand up" as the national anthem is to be played.

Additional Solicitor General Rajeev Mehra, appearing for the Centre told the court that he will inform the concerned ministry for necessary steps to stop such advertisement.

The petitioner said he had gone to watch movies in two cinema halls at different times and found the same advertisement issued by the TV channel in both the theatres. In his petition, Gupta said, "The theatres randomly display an advertisement inside the movie halls. The said advertisement was in the form of a visual displaying the logo of TV show Big Boss 6 followed by an audio demanding all present in the hall to stand for national anthem -- Big Boss Chahte Hai Ki Aap Rashtriya Gaan Ke Liye Khade Ho -- and then the national anthem is played."

... contd.

ALSO READ

Kiran Rao has come up with launch her own production banner

Dibakar Banerjee prefers to cast new faces

Costume designing has been challenging for 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag': Dolly Ahluwalia

I don't let success and failure get to my head: Kangana Ranaut