National anthem not mandatory in cinema halls: Supreme Court

New Delhi: The Supreme Court accepted the Government of India’s suggestion conveyed through affidavit that playing the national anthem in cinema halls should not be made compulsory.

The Supreme Court modified its 2016 order a day after the government said a final call can be taken once a ministerial panel makes guidelines.

On Monday, the Union home ministry had filed an affidavit after the court, in October last year, asked it to decide on the issue following a nationwide debate on its earlier order.

The court said:

-Discretion on the national anthem issue lies with the centre.

-If cinema halls play the national anthem, the audience must stand up. The differently-abled though are exempt from complying with the order.

Court’s initial order in November 2016:

– All present in theatres must “stand up in respect” till the anthem played. That would instill a feeling within one, a sense of committed patriotism and nationalism.