Case Filed Against Bihar CM Nitish Kumar Over National Anthem Row

A legal complaint was lodged against Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday at the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Court in Muzaffarpur, accusing him of disrespecting the national anthem during an event in Patna. The case, filed by advocates Suraj Kumar and Ajay Ranjan, stems from an incident at the Sepak Takraw World Cup 2025 inauguration on March 20, where Kumar was seen talking, gesturing, and laughing while the anthem played, sparking widespread outrage.

The petitioners allege that Kumar’s behavior at the Pataliputra Sports Complex violated the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, and Article 51A of the Constitution, which mandates respect for the national anthem. A viral video shows Kumar engaging with his Principal Secretary, Deepak Kumar, who appeared uneasy, while others stood at attention. The court has scheduled a hearing for March 25 to determine if the case merits further action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The incident fueled a political firestorm, with the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) demanding Kumar’s resignation. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav called it a “shameful first” in Indian politics, questioning Kumar’s mental and physical fitness. “He’s insulted Bihar repeatedly—yesterday’s act is unforgivable,” Yadav said, sharing the clip online. RJD chief Lalu Prasad added, “India won’t tolerate this.” Protests erupted in the Bihar Assembly, forcing adjournments as opposition MLAs stormed the well with placards.

Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) defended him, with leaders like Vijay Kumar Choudhary asserting his respect for national symbols as a freedom fighter’s son. Amid escalating tensions ahead of state polls, the controversy has put Kumar under intense scrutiny, with the opposition planning statewide demonstrations if no apology is issued by Sunday.