*Bijoe Emmanuel v. State of Kerala* (1986)

In this landmark "National Anthem case," the Supreme Court held that expelling three schoolchildren for standing respectfully but not singing the National Anthem — on the religious ground that their faith barred singing anything but prayers to their God — violated their fundamental right to freedom of conscience and religion. The Court held there is no legal provision obliging anyone to sing the National Anthem, and that standing respectfully during its singing is sufficient to show respect.