The Mahatma Gandhi National Foundation in Pala on Saturday approached the Kerala Police seeking action over the simultaneous singing of the national anthem and the national song during the Independence Day celebrations at the Kozhikode Corporation.

Eby J. Jose, chairman of the outfit, pointed out in a complaint to the State Police Chief that deliberately preventing the singing of the national anthem or causing disruption to those singing it is punishable under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971. Turning national symbols into instruments of political confrontation on Independence Day, when the sacrifices of freedom fighters were commemorated, undermined the significance of the occasion, he alleged.

A video link containing footage of the incident has been submitted along with the complaint as evidence. Mr. Jose has sought verification of the footage and an inquiry to establish the facts. He also sought an impartial inquiry into the role of councillors from both sides who were involved in the incident. He demanded that action be taken under the applicable law if any violation was established and called for measures to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.