Law
It’s no longer compulsory to play National Anthem in cinema halls
It is still mandatory to stand up if the Cinema Hall decides to play the Anthem
The Supreme Court has modified its earlier order on the playing of National Anthem in cinema halls and has made it non-mandatory. It took cognisance of the Centre’s submission that had asked the court to modify the order.
National Anthem: Supreme Court modifies earlier order, directs playing of National Anthem in Cinema halls is not mandatory. Notes Centre’s submission about Committee which has been constituted to decide on all aspects relating to National Anthem. Petition disposed of.
— Bar & Bench (@barandbench) January 9, 2018
Lok Sabha MP Asaduddin Owaisi told CNN-News18 that he has always been opposed to the direction to play the National Anthem in cinema halls. “One must respect the National Anthem but there is a place and time to play it. It must only be done on solemn occasions,” said Owaisi.
However, it is still mandatory to stand up if the Cinema Hall decides to play the Anthem
The Centre on Monday had told the court that an inter-ministerial committee has been set up as framing of guidelines describing circumstances and occasions on which the national anthem is to be played or sung, and observance of proper decorum on such occasions requires extensive consultations.