In a new order, the Supreme Court of India has said that it is not mandatory of compulsory from now onwards for theatres/cinema halls to play the national anthem prior to the screening of feature films during each show on all days.

During last November, the apex Court had stirred up a controversy while passing an order which made it mandatory/compulsory for cinema halls/multiplexes/theatres across the country to play national anthem during all shows prior to the screening of feature films. It also said that national flag should be displayed on screen while the anthem was played and added that audiences to stand up as a mark of respect.

Differently-abled persons were exempted from standing up during the anthem. In the meantime, the Centre filed a petition with the Supreme Court requesting it to put on hold the practice of playing national anthem in theatres till such time (at least six months) a Cabinet committee formed guidelines on how to play the national anthem.

The Centre also informed the apex Court that a committee has been set up to propose amendments to the 1971 Act relating to causing humiliation to national flag/symbols. “Till the committee forms guidelines in this regard, the order making it mandatory for theatres/multiplexes to play the national anthem has to be put on hold,” it pleaded with the Court.

In the meantime, theatres, cinema halls and multiplexes in Chennai are expected to continue to play the national anthem despite the apex Court stating that it is not mandatory to do so.