Supreme Court directs all States to play National Anthem before Movies in Cinemas, Read Order

Novemer,30,2016:

PIL had highlighted that Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, is being breached by people.

Today Supreme Court has directed that playing of the National Anthem shall be mandatory before movie screenings in theatres across the country.

Apex Court underlined that it would help “instill a sense of committed patriotism and nationalism” in our citizens.

Bench headed by Justice Dipak Misra also issued Guidelines on the National Anthem, while stating that it shall not be commercially exploited and that no one would be allowed to dramatise it or use its abridged form.

Bench directed that people must show respect to the National Anthem and the National Flag.

When the Anthem is played in movie halls, images of the national flag should be on the screen and audience/movie goers must stand up.

Only disabled would be exempted.

Court gave States and Union Territories a weeks time to ensure awareness and ensure the compliance of the directives.

A PIL was filed by one Shyam Narayan Chouksey, a retired engineer in Bhopal in this regard.

Petitioner had illustrated as to how provisions of Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, were being breached by people.

The Apex Court was urged to formulate Guidelines regarding playing of the National Anthem in cinema halls and other entertainment programmes and also in official functions.

Supreme Court Order on National Anthem in Cinemas by latest laws team on Scribd