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News18
10 hours ago
- Politics
- News18
‘Smiling Is No Crime': Patna HC Quashes Case Against Nitish Kumar Over National Anthem Conduct
Last Updated: The complaint, filed by one Vikash Paswan, accused CM Kumar of talking to a person next to him and performing a 'pranaam' with a smiling face during the National Anthem. The Patna High Court has quashed criminal proceedings initiated against Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for allegedly insulting the National Anthem during the inauguration of the World Cup Sepak Takra at Patliputra Stadium in March 2025. The complaint, filed by one Vikash Paswan, accused CM Kumar of talking to a person next to him and performing a 'pranaam' with a smiling face during the National Anthem, which the complainant claimed violated Section 3 of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971. The matter snowballed after a magistrate in Begusarai took cognizance, issuing a notice against Kumar as a 'proposed accused.' However, the bench of Justice Chandra Shekhar Jha termed the entire complaint and subsequent proceedings 'baseless" and politically motivated. Firstly, the high court noted that Section 223 of the BNSS provides that while taking cognizance of an offence, complainant shall be examined upon oath and the witnesses present, except in certain exceptional situations. However, in the present matter, the Magistrate proceeded to issue notice to the CM without examining the complainant on oath. It, therefore, held the findings of the Magistrate 'unfounded and misconceived". Court clarified that although the Magistrate had held that the CM's act was distinguished from his official duties, hence he was prima facie not treated as a public servant rendering Section 218 of the BNSS inapplicable, but it was a fact that Kumar was present at the inaugural function in the capacity of Chief Minister. 'If the petitioner was not the Chief Minister, he had no occasion to inaugurate the event and, therefore, his presence at the inaugural event, as aforesaid, cannot be distinguished by saying that his participation was not in capacity of a public servant as to import the protection of section 218 of the BNSS," court said. Secondly, court noted that the complainant himself had stated that the CM was standing and doing 'Pranaam" with a smiling face. 'This admitted conduct of the petitioner shows only high respect for the national anthem having a smiling face at the time of singing of the national anthem, merely folding hand in 'Pranaam Mudra' in standing position and 'smiling face' cannot be construed by any prudent imagination that it was the insult of the 'National Anthem'," court opined. Lastly, on the allegation that CM Kumar was disturbing the person who was standing next to him in the row, court said that this person could be the best witness, but the name of such a person was not disclosed in the complaint petition, which made the allegation completely 'baseless and frivolous, just to gain cheap popularity in politics by tarnishing the image of the petitioner". Conclusively, court held that the entire complaint, along with the notice issued by the Magistrate, was contrary to established principles of law, as legal provisions available under sections 223 & 226 of the BNSS had also been ignored. Therefore, it quashed the entire complaint with notice and the consequential proceedings.


Tatler Asia
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
Y2K aesthetic revival: Decoding the millennium design trend making a comeback
2. Philippe Starck Louis Ghost Chair for Kartell Above A rainbow of transparent Philippe Starck Louis Ghost armchairs, including pink, yellow, black, blue, green and clear versions, showcasing versatile modern dining chair options for contemporary interiors This iconic armchair masterfully blended historical Louis XV style with futuristic Y2K materials. Created by Philippe Starck for Kartell, the 'Louis Ghost' chair is made from transparent or colored injection-moulded polycarbonate, giving it an ethereal, almost invisible quality. Above Designer Philippe Starck's transparent polycarbonate Ghost dining chairs are styled with a mid-century modern table and natural plant decor Above Philippe Starck's Louis Ghost armchair for Kartell is made of crystal clear polycarbonate. It is a millennium design piece that revolutionised single-mould production and became a staple of the Y2K interior style revival Its transparency was a nod to the era's fascination with new plastics and a playful, modern take on classic forms, becoming a daring example of single-mould production and a staple in contemporary interiors seeking a touch of Y2K's innovative spirit. Don't miss: 7 family-led design brands you should know 3. Ron Arad Tom Vac Chair for Vitra Above Ron Arad Tom Vac Chair for Vitra with wave-like organic shell, stackable polypropylene construction Ron Arad's "Tom Vac" chair, developed with Vitra, evolved from a 1997 sculptural installation into a mass-produced icon of Y2K design. Its distinctive wave-like, organic polypropylene shell provided both comfort and a dynamic visual. Originally conceived in vacuum-formed aluminium, the production version offered an inexpensive yet stylish seating solution suitable for indoors and outdoors, embodying the Y2K interest in bringing avant-garde, flexible forms to a broader audience. Read more: 7 iconic cantilever chairs that shaped modern furniture 4. Marc Newson Nimrod Chair for Magis Above Marc Newson Nimrod Chair for Magis with low-slung enveloping form, rotational-moulded polyethylene base and vibrant upholstery showcasing retro-futurist millennium aesthetic revival (Photo: Magis) Marc Newson, a highly influential designer of the Y2K period, created the Nimrod chair for Magis, showcasing his signature biomorphic and futuristic style. Characterised by its low-slung, enveloping shape, often realised in rotational-moulded polyethylene with contrasting upholstered elements, the Nimrod chair has a distinct space-age influence. This piece resonated strongly with Y2K's retro-futurist tendencies, offering a comfortable and visually striking statement that captured the era's love for smooth, flowing lines and innovative materials. See also: What goes into great hotel design? 5. Zaha Hadid Moon System sofa for B&B Italia Above Zaha Hadid Moon System Sofa for B&B Italia has a sculptural fluid form, monolithic curves and an integrated structure embodying late millennium digital design innovation (Photo: B&B Italia) Designed by the late architect Zaha Hadid, the Moon System sofa for B&B Italia is a powerful example of Y2K's later-stage fascination with sculptural, fluid, and monolithic forms. Appearing as if sculpted from a single block, its dynamic, curvilinear shape embodies parametric design principles. With its integrated backrest, seat, and armrest, this sofa-sculpture challenged traditional sofa typology and reflected the era's embrace of complex geometries made possible by digital design tools. Don't miss: Bordallo Pinheiro and Esporão's Olival collection: Where art meets olive oil 6. Alessi Anna G corkscrew by Alessandro Mendini Above Alessi Anna G Corkscrew by Alessandro Mendini is a chrome-plated zamak wine opener with an anthropomorphic smiling figure (Photo: Alessi) Above Alessi Anna G Corkscrew by Alessandro Mendini is a cult object embodying the millennium aesthetic revival's playful approach to household items (Photo: Alessi) While designed slightly before the Y2K boom, Alessandro Mendini's Anna G corkscrew for Alessi became a cult object whose popularity and playful spirit were quintessential to the era. Its smiling, anthropomorphic figure, crafted from chrome-plated zamak, brought personality and joy to a utilitarian household item. This approach of infusing everyday objects with wit and character perfectly aligned with the Y2K sensibility, making Anna G a beloved and recognisable icon in many homes. Read more: 7 Chic Cutlery Sets with Design Pedigree Above Marc Newson Dish Doctor for Magis is a Y2K design classic with a glossy green biomorphic form and innovative draining system (Photo: Magis) Marc Newson's Dish Doctor for Magis is a prime example of high design meeting everyday utility, a hallmark of the Y2K era's playful approach to household objects. Made from injection-moulded polypropylene, this dish drainer features Newson's signature biomorphic, smooth flowing lines and was available in vibrant, often translucent, colours. Its chic and functional design, which even considered the packaging, made it an instant hit, embodying the Y2K desire for aesthetically pleasing yet practical items that brought a sense of fun and modernity into the kitchen. NOW READ How 'interiors disruptor' Alex Alonso embraces colourful maximalism in summer homes Le Creuset at 100: How enamelled cast iron cookware conquered culinary culture 7 distinctive mid-century modern hotels in Asia for design lovers