The Supreme Court has accepted the central government’s suggestion that playing the national anthem in cinema halls should not be made compulsory. The court modified its 2016 order a day after the government said a final call can be taken once a ministerial panel makes guidelines.
Discretion on the national anthem issue lies with the centre, the court said, adding that if cinema halls play the national anthem, the audience must stand up. The differently-abled though are exempt from complying with the order.
“We are happy. Part of our demands has been met. We will give our suggestions to the panel,” said Abinav Shrivastav, lawyer for the petitioner.
On Monday, the Union home ministry filed an affidavit after the court, in October last year, asked it to decide on the issue following a nationwide debate on its earlier order.
