National Anthem in theatres not mandatory: Supreme Court

Now, playing the National Anthem before a movie starts in the theatre and asking people to stand for it, is not mandatory, ruled the Supreme Court.

Supreme Court modified its 2016 order on playing the National Anthem in the theatres. Discussing the affidavit that was filed by the Union home ministry in October, the Supreme Court asked the Centre to decide on the matter and take a final call in this regard.

"People need not stand up at a cinema hall to be perceived as patriotic. It cannot be assumed that if a person does not stand up for the National Anthem, then he or she is less patriotic," the apex court said.

"Nowadays, the anthem is played during matches, tournaments and even Olympics where half of the crowd does not understand its meaning. You can amend it and say where to play the National Anthem and where it can't be done," said Justice DY Chandrachud, who was part of the bench, reported NDTV. 

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