Tamil Nadu Governor’s Address and National Anthem Controversy

In January 2025, incident unfolded in Tamil Nadu’s Legislative Assembly. Governor R.N. Ravi left the assembly without delivering his customary address. His departure was attributed to the absence of the national anthem before his speech. This incident reignited the debate over the protocol surrounding the national anthem during official addresses in the state.

Background of the Incident

The Governor’s decision to leave the assembly was not an isolated event. In the previous year, he had similarly refused to deliver his address for the same reason. The Tamil Nadu Raj Bhavan expressed its discontent, stating that failing to play the national anthem was an insult to the Constitution and the anthem itself. This incident marks the ongoing tensions between state officials and the Governor’s office regarding ceremonial practices.

Constitutional Duties and Protocols

According to Article 51(A)(a) of the Constitution of India, every citizen has a duty to respect the national anthem. The Raj Bhavan emphasised that this respect should be observed in all legislative assemblies. The national anthem is traditionally played at the beginning and conclusion of the Governor’s address, but Tamil Nadu has a different convention.

Tamil Nadu’s Unique Convention

In Tamil Nadu, it is customary to play the state anthem, Tamil Thai Vazhthu, at the start of the Governor’s address. The national anthem is played at the end. This practice was established in 1991 during the AIADMK government led by Jayalalithaa. The divergence from the national norm has led to friction between the state government and the Governor.

Comparison with Other States

Different states in India have varying protocols regarding the national anthem. For instance, in Nagaland, the national anthem was not played for decades until 2021. The Tripura Assembly only began playing it in 2018. These examples illustrate the lack of a uniform approach to the national anthem across state of Indias.

Parliamentary Practices

In contrast, the Indian Parliament has a well-defined procedure for playing the national anthem during the President’s address. The anthem is played when the President arrives and departs, ensuring that the ceremony is consistent and respectful. This standardisation is absent in many state assemblies, leading to confusion and controversy.

Legal Implications

The legal ramifications of not playing the national anthem at official functions have been examined in court. A case was dismissed where a petitioner sought punishment for failing to play the anthem at a function attended by the Governor and Chief Minister. The court ruled that there is no mandate requiring the anthem to be played, underscoring the customary nature of the practice.

Conclusion on National Anthem Protocol

The ongoing controversy surrounding the national anthem in Tamil Nadu reflects broader issues of state versus central authority and the interpretation of constitutional duties. The differing practices across states raise questions about the need for standardisation in ceremonial protocols.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the role of the national anthem in encouraging national unity in India.
2. What are the implications of differing state-level protocols on national symbols? Discuss with examples.
3. Estimate the significance of Article 51(A) in promoting constitutional values among citizens.
4. Point out the historical changes in the treatment of national anthems across state of Indias since independence.

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the role of the national anthem in encouraging national unity in India.

1. The national anthem serves as a symbol of national pride and identity, encouraging a sense of belonging among citizens.
2. It is played at national events, uniting people from diverse backgrounds in a shared experience.
3. The anthem reinforces democratic values and constitutional responsibilities, reminding citizens of their duty to the nation.
4. Regular singing of the anthem in schools and public gatherings promotes patriotism and collective spirit.
5. Disputes over its protocol, like in Tamil Nadu, highlight the importance of respecting national symbols to maintain unity.

2. What are the implications of differing state-level protocols on national symbols? Discuss with examples.

1. Differing protocols can lead to confusion about the significance of national symbols, undermining their universal respect.
2. In Tamil Nadu, the practice of playing the state anthem first creates friction with the national anthem’s status.
3. Variations, like Nagaland and Tripura’s late adoption of the national anthem, reflect regional identities over national unity.
4. Such differences can challenge the central authority’s influence, leading to tensions between state and national governance.
5. They may also prompt legal challenges, as seen in the Madras High Court case, denoting the need for clearer guidelines.

3. Estimate the significance of Article 51(A) in promoting constitutional values among citizens.

1. Article 51(A) outlines fundamental duties, emphasizing the importance of respecting national symbols like the anthem.
2. It encourages citizens to engage with democratic principles, encouraging a culture of responsibility and civic engagement.
3. The article serves as a legal framework for promoting national unity and integrity among diverse communities.
4. By embedding respect for the anthem within constitutional duties, it reinforces collective identity and patriotism.
5. Awareness of these duties can lead to greater accountability among citizens towards the nation and its values.

4. Point out the historical changes in the treatment of national anthems across state of Indias since independence.

1. Initially, national anthems were not uniformly played in state assemblies, with practices varying widely.
2. The introduction of state-specific anthems, like Tamil Thai Vazhthu, reflects regional pride and identity post-independence.
3. Over the decades, some states adopted the national anthem only recently, as seen in Nagaland (2021) and Tripura (2018).
4. Legal frameworks and constitutional mandates have evolved, emphasizing the need for respect towards national symbols.
5. Controversies, such as the recent Tamil Nadu incident, highlight ongoing debates about national versus regional identity in ceremonial practices.