(UDHAYAM, NEW DELHI) – Modifying its earlier order ordering that everybody must stand while the national anthem is played in theatres, the Indian Supreme Court yesterday (15th Wednesday) said the audience need not stand if the anthem is part of a film.
The apex court said the audience need not stand up when the national anthem is part of the storyline of a film, newsreel or documentary, as was seen in blockbuster Dangal recently.
It is not compulsory to sing the national anthem in cinema halls. There is also no need to stand up if it is a part of film, the apex court said.
On November 30 last year, the Supreme Court had ordered cinema halls across the nation to mandatorily play the national anthem before screening of a movie and the audience must stand and show respect.
