No need to stand if National Anthem is part of film: SC

The Supreme Court has clarified that there is no need to stand inside a cinema hall when the national anthem is featured as a part of a film, documentary or a newsreel.
This is second clarification issued by SC on its November 2016 order, directing all persons to stand up when the national anthem is sung or played in a cinema theatre.

Key Facts

• The apex court’s clarification came after several applications were filed on the question, including from the Kodungallur Film Society and the Conference for Human Rights.
• Earlier in December 2016, SC had issued first modification to its order to exempt physically challenged or handicapped persons from standing up when national anthem is played before film screenings.

Background

In November 2016, Supreme Court had issued an order making mandatory for cinema halls to play the national anthem before film screenings. It also had directed all those present there to stand up to show respect. It also had ordered cinema halls to display the national flag on the screen when the anthem was played. The apex court had mentioned that this practice will instil a feeling of committed patriotism and nationalism. The order was issued on a writ petition filed by Shyam Narayan Chouksey in October 2016.

Month: Current Affairs - February, 2017