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Supreme Court Makes National Anthem Mandatory In Theaters Before The Film Begins

In a major decision, the Supreme Court today said that it was mandatory for movie theaters to play the National Anthem before a movie starts. The apex court said that it should be played along with visuals of the national flag and it should not be dramatized or exploited commercially.

The Supreme Court further stated that all those at the theater must rise and stand when the National Anthem is being played the National Flag displayed on the movie screen.

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The ruling came in response to a PIL filed by Shyam Narayan Chouksey in October this year. “Time has come for people to realize that the national anthem is a symbol of constitutional patriotism…people must feel they live in a nation and this wallowing individually perceived the notion of freedom must go…people must feel this is my country, my motherland.”: SC bench headed by justice Dipak Misra said.

“When the national anthem is played it is imperative for everyone to show honor and respect It would instill a sense of committed patriotism and nationalism,” the court added.

It was mandatory for cinema halls to play the national anthem after every movie in the 1960’s. The practice faded away over the years. In 2003, Maharashtra had ordered that the anthem has to be played before the screening of any film. As of now here are some theaters playing National Anthe before the film starts. But, now with the order of Supreme Court, it is mandatory for all the theaters to play the national anthem before the film starts.

Last year, there were multiple incidents of violence reported in Mumbai over people not showing respect to the anthem when it was played before a film screening. In one case, a Muslim family was heckled out of a theater for not standing for the national anthem.

“The national anthem must not be printed on any undesirable object, and should not be used for any commercial purposes. Also, no dramatization of the anthem should be allowed”, the court added.

Hailing the order by the Supreme Court, Indian lawyer Ram Jethmalani said that it is a good decision and there should not be any controversy on it as it is a mark of respect.

Here’s How Twitterati Reacted:

Take a look at some of the hilarious reactions to the court’s decision.

Do you have something to add to the story ? Do let us know your views about the Supreme Court’s order in the comment session below.

Also Read: Complaint Lodged Against Amitabh Bachchan For Singing National Anthem Incorrect