The Centre has filed a petition with the Supreme Court reuesting it to make it optional and not 'mandatory/compulsory' for cinema theatres/multiplexes/cinema halls in the country to play national anthem before the commencement of screening of films.

Earlier, the apex Court had made it mandatory that national anthem should be played in all theatres/halls before the film`s screening started. The Court had passed the order while taking up a public interest litigation (PIL) petition filed with it.

The order raised plenty of controversies with some clashes reported in theatres between persons opposing and supporting the above-said order. In the meantime, the Centre filed a petition with the apex Court requesting that it should be made optional and not compulsory/mandatory for theatres across the country to play national anthem before screening of films.

Centre has further informed the top Court that it request was based on practical difficulties in framing guidelines for playing the anthem by theatres. "Guidelines would have to be framed by the Union Cabinet which would take at least six months," it said even as the apex Court is to deal with the case on Tuesday.