ORDER [ENTITY], J.
1. A short question, but of considerable national importance, is raised in this original Petition. The question :
Can the pupils in the 4th respondent's school belonging to the religious group known as "[ENTITY]'s Witnesses" be compelled to sing the National Antehm contrary to their religious beliefs and faith, guaranteed under [SECTION] and [SECTION] of the [ACT]?
2. The answer to the question depends upon the interpretation of [SECTION] and [SECTION] of the [ACT]. [SECTION] guaranteed to every person the freedom of conscience and the right to profess, practise and propagate religion subject to public order, morality and health and also the restrictions that may be imposed by the State, relying on the provisions contained in the Article itself. It is also subject to the other provisions of [SECTION] of the [ACT]. The freedom of the religious denomination to manage their religious affairs guaranteed under [SECTION], however, is subject only to public order, morality and health. Yet another difference between [SECTION] and [SECTION] is this. [SECTION] extends to all persons whereas [SECTION] is confined to religious denomination only.
3. Now turning to [SECTION], as already stated, the right of a person to freedom of conscience and religion is subject to the other provisions of [SECTION] also. [SECTION] is one such provision and therefore the right of a person guaranteed under [SECTION] is subject to [SECTION] also. A law which falls under [SECTION] thus would control the right of a person guaranteed under [SECTION]. ([PRECEDENT]). The Supreme Court has stated thus:
" But it has to be noticed that the limitation 'subject to the other provisions of this Part' occurs only in [SECTION] and not in Clause (2). Clause (1) declares the rights of all persons to freedom of conscience and the right freely to profess, practise and propagate religion. It is this right that is subject to the other provisions in the Fundamental Rights Chapter. One of the provisions to which the right declared in [SECTION] is subject is [SECTION]. A law, therefore, which falls within [SECTION] will control the right conferred by [SECTION], and the limitation in [SECTION] does not apply to that law."
4. The position deducible from the discussion above, is this. The religious freedom guaranteed under [SECTION] is not unrestricted. It is not exempt from the compulsion of laws enacted by the Government to protect public order, health, welfare and morals and also laws which fall within [SECTION]. In other words, the religious rights guaranteed under [SECTION] is subject to 'the [ACT]', a doctrine developed in America to achieve the neutrality of the State with respect to religion. [ENTITY] in his "The American [ACT]", 3rd edition, at page 39, has stated thus, about this doctrine :
"This rule holds that there is no constitutional right to an exemption, on free exercise of religion grounds from the compulsion of general regulations dealing with non-religious matters. The secular regulation rule is based on the distinction between belief and action. Religious beliefs admitedly must have absolute protection, but actions, even though purporting to be taken for religious reasons or as part of religious observances, must conform with the regulations established by the community to protect public order, health, welfare and morals."
The above limitations namely that "actions purported to be taken for religious reasons must conform to regulations established by the community to public order, health, welfare and morality," evolved by judicial pronouncements in America, have been incorporated in our [ACT] itself as is seen from the language of [SECTION] and [SECTION]. The rights declared under [SECTION] are as already stated, also controlled by laws falling within [SECTION]. It is thus clear from these provisions what matters come within the purview of religious belief or faith and what do not. The following dictum of the Supreme Court in Commissioner H.R.E v. L.T. [ENTITY], [PRECEDENT], supports the above:
"It is to be noted that both in the American as well as in the [ACT] the right to freedom of religion has been declared in unrestricted terms without any limitation whatsoever. Limitations, therefore, have been introduced by Courts of law in these countries on grounds of morality, order and social protection
Our [ACT]-makers, however, have embodied the limitations which have been evolved by judicial pronouncements in America or Australia in the [ACT] itself and the language of [SECTION] and [SECTION] is sufficiently clear to enable us to determine without the aid of foreign authorities as to what matters come within the purview of religion and what do not As we have already indicated, freedom of religion in our [ACT] is not confined to religious beliefs only; it extends to religious practices as well subject to the restrictions which the [ACT] itself has laid down."
Briefly stated, the right guaranteed under [SECTION] and [SECTION] is not absolute. This guaranteed religious right therefore must be reconciled with "the right of the State to employ the sovereign power to ensure peace, security and orderly living without which constitutional guarantee of civil liberty would be a mockery." (Commissioner, H.R.E v. L.T. [ENTITY], [PRECEDENT]).
5. The Supreme Court in [ENTITY]'s case has also held :
"What [SECTION] contemplates is not regulation by the State of religious practices as such, the freedom of which is guaranteed by the [ACT] except when they run counter to public order, health and morality but regulation of activities which are economic, commercial or political in their character though they are associated with religious practices."
6. Decided cases however, would show that in India it would be incorrect to say that the framers of our [ACT] have recognised [ENTITY]'s views of his relation to his creator" as the essence of Religion, for here there are religions, like Budhism and Jainism which do not believe in God or in "any intelligent First Cause". I shall in this connection refer to [ENTITY]'s case ([PRECEDENT]) again. There the Supreme Court has stated :
"What then are matters of religion? The word 'religion' has not been defined in the [ACT] an it is a term which is hardly susceptible of any rigid definition. In an American case '[PRECEDENT] at p. 342 (C), it has been said:
'that the term 'religion' has reference to one's views of his relation to his Creator and to the obligations they impose of reverence for His Being and character and of obedience to His will. It is often confounded with 'cultus' of form or worship of a particular sect, but is distinguishable from the latter.' We do not think that the above definition can be regarded as either precise or adequate. [SECTION] and [SECTION] of our [ACT] are based for the cost part upon [SECTION], [ACT] and we have great doubt whether a definition of 'religion' as given above could have been in the minds of our [ACT]-makers when they framed the [ACT].
Religion is certainly a matter of faith with individuals or communities and it is not necessarily theistic. There are well known religions in India like Buddhism and Jainism which do not believe in God or in any Intelligent First Cause "
The dictum laid down in [ENTITY]'s case has been reiterated by the Supreme Court in later decisions including the decision in [PRECEDENT].
7. By the [ACT] the Preamble to the [ACT] was amended and the words "socialist secular" have been inserted and the word "integrity" has been incorporated after the word 'unity'. By the same Amendment Act, [SECTION] was newly added under the caption 'Fundamental Duties'.
8. These provisions would show that the Parliament was more concerned about the unity and integrity of India. By the introduction of the aforesaid changes in the [ACT] I am of the view, that the Parliament has reasserted that it is the fundamental duty of every citizen to strive hard to uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of our motherland. All such rights, fundamental or otherwise must therefore subserve the sovereignty, integrity and unity of this great nation. It should be remembered that every citizen is a member of the political society for the well-being of which, the people of this country gave the [ACT] unto themselves and therefore the mere possession of religious convictions which run counter to the relevant concern of the political society, does not absolve the citizen from his political responsibility. To maintain the national unity and integrity and thereby uphold the sovereignty of the country, is the political responsibility of every citizen.
9. In [ENTITY] Boarding and Lodging v. State of Mysore, AIR 1970 SC 2042, the Supreme Court has stated thus :
"While rights conferred under [SECTION] are fundamental, the directives given under [SECTION] are fundamental in the governance of the country. We see no conflict on the whole between the provisions contained in [SECTION]. They are complementary and supplementary to each other. The provisions of [SECTION] enable the legislatures and the Government to impose various dudes on the citizens. The provisions therein are deliberately made elastic because the duties to be imposed on the citizen depend on the extent to which the directive principles are implemented. The mandate of the [ACT] is to build a welfare society in which justice social, economic and political shall inform all institutions of our national life."
10. The "fundamental duties" as in the case of "directives", are, I would say, fundamental in the governance of the country and hence all the components of the State including the judiciary are bound to enforce them. Following the dictum of the Supreme Court in [ENTITY]'s case, I would state that "they are complementary and supplementary to each other". They are the two sides of a com. The learned counsel for the respondents therefore submit that a citizen cannot get his fundamental right enforced without adhering to the fundamental duties prescribed by [SECTION] I am of the view, that they are well-founded in the above submission. Here it is worth recalling the observation of the Supreme Court in [ENTITY]'s case that "it is a fallacy to think that under our [ACT] there arc only rights and no duties."
11. It is in this backdrop, we have to consider the case, the petitioners have presented in the Original Petition.
12. Now what is the grievance of the petitioners. To appreciate it, we have to refer to the facts of the case which lie in a narrow compass : The petitioners are a body of Christians' called "[ENTITY]'s Witnesses". The 'Witnesses' are an association of persons who regard the literal interpretation of the [ACT] as fundamental to proper religious beliefs. [ENTITY]'s Witnesses believe that the God, [ENTITY], is the supreme ruler of the universe. The pleadings further disclose that the [ENTITY]'s Witnesses would worship only [ENTITY] as their God and they will not participate in any ritual other than those involved in the worship of God. According to them, though the National Anthem "Jana Gana Mana" was being sung in the school on several occasions, the petitioners and the other pupils belonging to the 'Witnesses' desist from the actual singing of the Anthem because of their belief and conviction that their religion "does hot permit them to join any rituals except if it be in their prayers to [ENTITY], their God" They conclude thus:
"It is humbly submitted that the religious precepts, doctrines and beliefs of the [ENTITY]'s Witnesses, to whom [ENTITY] is the exclusive God and who alone should be the object of worship or the conferor of blessings and that no other should be the object of worship or religious reverence, is that the singing of the National Anthem of any Nation will be an act contrary to their religious faith and contrary to their conscience. It is therefore a conscientious and religious objection to them to participate in singing the National Anthem and to the extent that they are prevented from participating in the benefits of education offered by the State in the manner in which it has been done in regard to the witness children there has been a violation of the right to freedom of conscience and of religion guaranteed by the [ACT]."
13. The learned counsel for the petitioners submits that the right to freedom of religion guaranteed under [SECTION] and [SECTION] can be subject only to public order, morality and health and to the other provisions of [SECTION] and therefore legislations for the enforcement of public order, morality and health etc. restricting the said rights, alone can be taken note of by a Court while considering issues similar to the one arising in this case. Freedom of religion guaranteed under our [ACT], according to him, is not confined only to religious belief but it extends to religious practice as well, but subject to the restrictions that may be brought about for the purpose of maintaining public order, morality and health etc. He therefore submitted that the non-participation by the petitioners in the singing of the National Anthem in the school fall well within the meaning of "the right freely to profess, practise and propagate the religion guaranteed under [SECTION] of the [ACT]." In support of the above proposition, the learned counsel cited certain judicial pronouncements including decisions of the Supreme Court of the United States. These decisions however, have no application here for the reason that in none of these decisions there was the opportunity to consider a provision similar to the provisions in [SECTION] of the [ACT]. I therefore do not wish to burden this judgment by citing those decisions. Whatever that be, how far can the above abstract proposition of law be applicable to a particular case, depends upon the peculiar facts of that case.
14. At this stage, it is relevant to refer to a Circular, No. H6-47833/69 dated 18-2-1970 (this Circular along with Code of Conduct for Teachers and Pupils was made available for reference by the learned Advocate-General issued by the Director of Public Instruction. Clause 2 of the Circular reads :
"It is compulsory that all schools shall have the morning Assembly every day before actual instruction begins. The whole school with all the pupils and teachers shall be gathered for the Assembly. After the singing of the National Anthem, the whole school shall in one voice, take the National Pledge before marching back to the classes."
The Code of Conduct mentioned above prescribes that (1) for national integration the basis must be the school and (2) as a rule, the whole school should participate in the singing of National Anthem.
15. Referring to the Circular the learned Advocate-General submitted that the circular issued by the Director of Public Instruction has made it imperative that all students must sing the National Anthem in chorus; the singing of National Anthem therefore is a fundamental duty, he submits. He has in this connection also referred to the "Code of Conduct for pupils and-Teachers in Schools", wherein it has been declared that As a rule, the whole school should participate in the singing of National Anthem". The Government issued this direction with a view to accomplish the objective of bringing up the future citizens who pledge to maintain the sovereignty, integrity and unity of this Great Nation, he further submitted.
16. Shri [ENTITY], the learned counsel for the 4th respondent, the Headmistress of the school, while adopting the arguments of the learned Advocate-General, raised an additional contention that 'Witnesses' are not even a religious sect, leave alone a religious denomination, they are only an association of persons and hence they are not qualified for the rights guaranteed under [SECTION] and [SECTION] of the [ACT]. He further submitted that [SECTION] enacted in 1976 by the 42nd Amendment of the [ACT], has made it clear that it shall be the duty of every citizen to abide by the [ACT] and respect its ideal and institutions, the National Rag and National Anthem and also to uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India. He also submitted that no citizen can get his fundamental rights enforced through Court unless he is prepared to abide by the fundamental duties.
17. The learned counsel for the Additional 6th respondent, Sri [ENTITY], with his usual thoroughness, contended that 'the [ACT]', the [ENTITY]'s Witnesses believe in, does not command that the believers of the said faith shall disobey the directions of Governmental Authroities. In fact they are bound by such directions. In support of this contention, he referred to various passages from the "[ACT]" as also from the writings of [ENTITY] namely Great Political Thinkers", Third Edition. He argues that the [ENTITY]'s Witnesses not only are not patriots but in fact they are supporters of those who work against the sovereignty, integrity and unity of the Nation from within and without. To sustain this plea, he brought to the notice of the Court, by producing a copy of the daily "Malayala Manorama", the news flashed in it that in the "1985 Year Book of [ENTITY]'s Witnesses" Kashmir has been shown as "Disputed territory". To verify this, I wanted the learned counsel for the petitioners to produce the said Year Book. On verification, I am satisfied that the above news flashed in Newspapers, is true. I do not propose to deal with this matter because this is not relevant to decide the issue before me. This is a matter to be probed into, if found necessary, by the Government. The learned counsel further submitted that "Public Order" includes "absence of all acts which are a danger to the security of the State". The petitioners in not singing the National Anthem, it is submitted, must be held to have refused to discharge their fundamental duty, and hence not eligible for the reliefs prayed for.
18. Sri [ENTITY], the learned counsel for the additional 5th respondent in the course of his argument reiterated the above contentions.
19. I shall first deal with the question whether the [ENTITY]'s Witnesses constitute a religious denomination. The pleadings in this connection are in these terms. The petitioners are a body of Christians called [ENTITY]'s Witnesses. The witnesses are an unincorporated body teaching the obligation imposed that the law of God is superior to all other laws and their religious belief consists in strictly following the entire teaching of the [ACT]. One of their most fundamental religious tenets is that they should worship only [ENTITY] their God and they should not participate in any ritual other than functions which involve the worship of God". The additional 6th respondent has stated thus in his counter-
affidavit : The [ENTITY]'s Witnesses are not a body of Christians as claimed. They are only "members/collaborators" of a Charitable organisation functioning from the United States of America under the name and style of "Watch Tower [ACT] and Tract Society of Pensilvania, incorporated in 1939 as a non-profit corporation under the company law, and having one of its branches, at South Avenue Santa Cruz, Bombay-54. Branch Manager is an American National. Another branch is functioning at Sant Tulsidas Path, Lonavala, Maharashtra. The [ENTITY]'s Witnesses therefore are only the members of a charitable society and not a religious denomination. They therefore are not entitled to the protection of [SECTION] and [SECTION].
20. The 1985 Year Book of [ENTITY]'s Witnesses supports the above contention of the additional 6th respondent. That means that petitioners are members of an incorporated body, having head office at 25, Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, New York 11201, U.S.A. One of its recognised branch offices as per the Year Book is the one functioning at Post Bag 10, Lonavala, Pune District, Maharashtra, 410401. Yet another association of the [ENTITY]'s Witnesses is 'The Watch Tower [ACT] and Tract Society of India, G-37, South Avenue, Santa Cruz (West) Bombay 400054", a Society registered under the [ACT]. This was registered on 27-2-1978. As is seen from the Memorandum of Association, the mam object for which the society is established is to disseminate in India [ACT] truths in various languages and to propagate religious and Biblical education etc. Yet another striking object with which the society is formed is 'to act as the servant of and legal agency in India for that body of Christian persons known as '[ENTITY]'s Witnesses' and to preach in India the Gospel of God's Kingdom under [ENTITY] as a witness to the name, word and supremacy of Almighty God."
21. No other materials have been placed before the Court to show that [ENTITY]'s Witnesses are a denomination by itself. From the materials available it cannot be said that they are a denomination within the meaning of [SECTION], They are only members of a corporate body. They basically subscribe to the fundamental notions of Christianity. If that be so, their relation to their creator cannot be said to be different from that of Christians who also believe in '[ACT] truths'. [ENTITY]'s Witnesses therefore cannot be said to constitute a "denomination" different from the believers of Christian religion.
22. Now turning to the other question as to what extend the [ENTITY]'s Witnesses are bound to obey secular laws of the country, we have in this connection to see what are the commands of the [ACT] regarding "Civil and Social duties" of a Christian. The learned counsel for the petitioners referred to the following passages from "Holy .[ACT], Placed by the Gideons" :
Psalm 83 (18) "That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high over all the earth."
Romans 13 "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God : the powers that be are ordained of God.
2. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God : and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
3. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil, Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shall have praise of the same :
4. For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain : for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
5. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
6. For this cause pay ye tribute also; foi they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
7. Render therefore to all their dues : tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom fear; honour to whom honour."
23. Corresponding passages from the Holy [ACT] cited at the Bar by Sri [ENTITY], learned counsel for the 6th respondent, read :
Psalm 83."
Let them know that thou alone, whose name is the LORD: art the Most High over all the earth."
Romans 13 "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore he who resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of him who is in authority? They do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain; he is the servant of God to execute his wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be subject, not ony to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience. For the same reason you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. Pay all of them their dues, taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honour to whom honour is due."
24. A reading of the above passages, which alone are relevant for the present purpose, shows that the believers of Christianity whether he belongs to '[ENTITY]'s Witnesses' or otherwise are "subject to the governing authorities." In this connection, it may not be out of context to refer to the writing of [ENTITY], a great political thinker. He has stated thus:
"Secular Authority : to what extent it should be obeyed :
We must firmly establish secular law and the sword, that no one may doubt that it is in the world by God's will and ordinance. The passages which establish this are the following: Roman xiii, 'Let every soul be subject to power and authority, for there is no power but from God The power that is everywhere is ordained of God. He then who resists the power resists God's ordinance. But he who resists God's ordinance shall bring himself under condemnation.' Likewise, I Peter ii, 'Be subject to every kind of human ordinance, whether to the king as supreme, or to the governors, as to those sent of Him for the punishing of the evil and for the reward of the good.'" (Vide page 304, Great Political Thinker, Third Edition, By [ENTITY].) [ENTITY]'s Witnesses therefore are bound to obey the directions issued by the Government and Governmental Authorities. The '[ENTITY]'s Witnesses' however, believe that it is their religious duty to ignore the laws of the civil Government that run counter to their belief that [ENTITY] is the only God and hence His laws should prevail over the civil laws. This belief, it is submitted, has made them desist from singing the National Anthem in the school contrary to the directions contained in the Circular issued by the Director of Public Instruction and the [ACT] issued by the Government. These documents as also the provisions contained in [SECTION] of the [ACT] make it abundantly clear that the petitioners though believers of the tenets of [ENTITY]'s Witnesses, are bound to sing the National Anthem as a political duty, along with other students, in chorus. This kind of inconsistency between religious and political duty has many a time appeared in human history. In such cases the States/the Nations have consistently held the view that the ceremonies like respecting the Anthem, flag etc. made obligatory, are merely political in character. As held by [ENTITY] C.J. in Adelaide lompany of [ENTITY]'s Witnesses Inc. v. The Commonwealth. [PRECEDENT], held thus:
"In each case the State view is that the ceremony which has been made obligatory is merely political in character a form of "saluting the flag" but the other view of the question is that it is something which requires a true believer to abjure part of his cherished faith."
25. The above principle of law forms part of the law, the Australian High Court laid down while interpreting [SECTION] of the [ACT] guaranteeing religious freedom. [ENTITY] C.J. has observed :
"It has already been shown that beliefs entertained by a religious body as religious beliefs may be inconsistent with the maintenance of civil government. The complete protection of all religious beliefs might result in the disappearance of organized society because some religious beliefs, as already indicated, regard the existence of organized society as essentially evil."
[SECTION]. As observed by the Supreme Court in [ENTITY]'s case ([PRECEDENT]) the limitation imposed on the otherwise absolute religious rights guaranteed under the American and [ACT] by judicial pronouncements, have been embodied in [SECTION] and [SECTION] of our [ACT] guaranteeing Religious Freedom. To put it briefly : Freedom of religion guaranteed under our [ACT] therefore is not absolute to be exercised independently of the Fundamental Duty prescribed by the same organic instrument. In short, the religious beliefs, must reconcile with the right of a State to employ the sovereign power to ensure orderly living "without which constitutional guarantees of civil liberties would be a mockery". I would in this connection refer to the decision of the Supreme Court in [PRECEDENT]. The Supreme Court has held that The expression includes absence of all acts which are a danger to the security of the State and also arts which are comprehendeded the expression 'order publique' explained above but not acts which disturb only the serenity of ethers. The conduct of the members of [ENTITY]'s Witnesses in not showing unqualified respect to [ACT], the National Anthem etc. would endanger the security of the Nation in that the same will develop, among the citizens a tendency to ignore the mandates of the [ACT] thereby defeating the object 'discernible from the Preamble and other provisions of the [ACT]), to accomplish which, the people gave the [ACT] to themselves. It therefore follows that if religious practices based on religious faith and belief protected by the State, run counter to public order, morality, health or a policy of the Government to uphold the sovereignty, integrity and unity of the nation or social welfare embarked upon, then the said religious practice must give way for the benefit of the people and the nation as a whole. The Code of Conduct for Teachers and Students in the school issued by the Goverment and the Circular issued by the Director of Public Instruction, according to me, are issued with the high objectives of maintaining the integrity, unity and sovereignty of the nation.
27. The learned counsel then submitted that neither the provisions of the [ACT] nor the [ACT] confer any authority on the educational authorities to prevent students from attending classes for the sole reason that they do not join in the singing of the National Anthem. There is no substance in this submission. I may in this connection repeat that, where there is a mandatory duty cast on the citizens that they should show respect to the National Flag and National Anthem, the citizens are bound to, show unqualified respect to them notwithstanding any special rights, they may claim under the [ACT]. [SECTION] of the [ACT] contains such a mandate. It is by now well-established that such [ACT]al provisions must be read into every enactment or in any event must be deemed to be there by implication because "the [ACT] is the paramount law of the country to which all other laws are subject". I am fortified in this view, by a decision of the Supreme Court, in [PRECEDENT] If that be so. [SECTION] must be deemed to be there in the [ACT]. This Article read along with [SECTION] of the [ACT] containing the relevant rules pertaining to the ' maintenance of discipline in the school, sets at naught the above contention of the petitioners.
28. [SECTION] commands that every citizen shall respect the National Anthem and therefore it is expected of every citizen to show unqualified respect to it. The Circular and the Code of Conduct mentioned above insist that the students must sing National Anthem in chorus. Alongside, the scope of [SECTION], [ACT] also should be considered.
29. [SECTION] reads:
"Any pupil who is deliberately insubordinate or mischievous or guilty of fraud or malpractice in connection with examinations or who is found guilty of any other offence under these rules or who by his proved conduct is in the opinion of the Headmaster likely to cause an unwholesome influence on other pupils, may be, according to the degree of offence censured suspended or dismissed by the Headmaster. The Headmaster of a Secondary' School may also for adequate reasons impose fines on pupils studying in Standards VIII to X. In case of dismissal, a report shall be sent to the Educational Officer. An appeal from the dismissed pupil shall He to the Educational Officer."
This rule provides that if the Headmaster is of opinion that a pupil by his proved conduct is likely to cause an unwholesome influence on other pupils, the said pupil can be prohibited from attending the school. The facts of the case do establish that the petitioners by their conduct have proved that they will not participate in the singing of the National Anthem. This conduct may have a very bad influence on the other pupils. The Headmistress therefore is well within her right not to permit the petitioners to attend the class until they give in writing that they will participate in the singing of the National Anthem in the school.
The Original Petition accordingly is without merits. The same is dismissed.