Disabled persons granted exemption from standing during National Anthem in movie halls

The Supreme Court has granted an exemption to six categories of disabled people from standing when the national anthem is played before the screening of a film in theatres. The six categories include people suffering from cerebral palsy, Parkinson disease, muscular dystrophy and other categories of disability. The order comes at the backdrop of reported incidents of people with disabilities facing the wrath of people trying to enforce patriotism during the national anthem.
In addition, the Court has also issued notice to the union government on the plea seeking Vande Mataram to be made mandatory in schools. The Centre should file its reply in a four weeks time on the plea. The reply should also ascertain the feasibility of singing the national anthem and the national song in Parliament, assemblies, courts, schools and colleges on working days.

Background

On November 30, 2016, the Supreme Court made it mandatory for all the cinema halls across the nation to play the national anthem with the image of the national flag displayed before screening of a movie, when the audience must stand and show respect. The idea was to instil a sense of committed patriotism and nationalism among people.

Month: Current Affairs - April, 2017