Not Singing National Anthem in Movie Halls, not a Sign of Being Anti-National
The bench said one does not have to wear patriotism on the sleeve all the time, while making the observation the Supreme Court headed by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra said, it is open to reviewing its 2016 order which mandated people to stand up for the anthem. The Supreme Court ruled last November that all cinema halls must play the anthem before a film is screened and moviegoers should stand up and remain still through the length of the 52-second-long Jana Gana Mana. The court modified its order on December 9, 2016, exempting people with physical disabilities from standing up. On Monday, the bench headed by the CJI observed that moral policing needs to be stopped and that “not singing national anthem in movie halls isn't a sign of being anti-national.” The apex court has also stated that it is open to modify its 2016 order and review it. However, SC has asked the Centre that “why don’t you bring regulations if you want people to mandatorily stand up during the national anthem?” The Centre will now reply to the court stating that whether it wants to issue a fresh circular regarding this or not. -PTC News
