Supreme Court has made it compulsory to play full version of National Anthem of 52 seconds and display the national flag on the screen before a movie starts playing in cinema hall and everyone has to stand-up in their seats in respect of National Anthem. The Supreme Court has passed this judgement to inculcate feeling of patriotism in the countrymen and make them realize that they are bound by duty to give respect to National Flag and National Anthem as stated in clause(a) of Article-51A.
Supreme Court's verdict to play National Anthem before screening of movies
Supreme Court ordered all cinema halls to play full version of National Anthem and display national flag on the screen before the feature film starts and all present in the hall are obliged to stand up in respect.
SC has issued a protocol for playing and singing National Anthem at functions where constitutional dignitaries are in attendance.
SC has issued a protocol for playing and singing National Anthem at functions where constitutional dignitaries are in attendance.
What is the verdict of Supreme Court?
1) Complete ban on the commercial exploitation and dramatization of the National Anthem or it to be used in any part of any variety shows or for entertainment purposes.
3) Banned display, recitation or use of abridged version of the National Anthem and urged to use only full versions of National Anthem of 52 sec.
4) Banned the display of National Anthem on any undesirable or disgraceful places as it tantamount to disrespect.
5) All doors of the movie theater should be closed when national anthem is being played to avoid any outside disturbances and prevent people from entering or exiting.
6) If a physically challenged person or physically handicapped person goes to the cinema hall to watch a film, he need not stand up, if he is incapable to stand, but must show such conduct which is commensurate with respect for the National Anthem.
The bench observed: “Universalism is alright but little still Bharat is the epitome of culture, knowledge… gyaan and vigyaan…people must feel this is my country…who are you? You are an Indian first. In other countries, you respect their restrictions. In India, why can you not have restrictions in larger good.”
The verdict is given in the backdrop of PIL filed by Shyam Narayan Chouksey which pointed out that the National Anthem was being played under unacceptable circumstances and sought the court's intervention to ensure that the protocol laid down in the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, was followed.
Two incidents reported in PIL from 2015 :
- First, when a very short version of the national anthem was played at the swearing-in ceremony of AIADMK chief J Jayalalithaa as chief minister of Tamil Nadu.
- Second, when Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik stopped the national anthem midway during an oath-taking function for state ministers.
What are reasons given by Supreme Court to give the judgement to play National Anthem before screening of movies?
1) To instill a feeling of committed patriotism and nationalism among people.
2) Opportunity granted to people to showcase their love, respect and honor for the motherland and its institutions and ideals.
3) Honor and respect National flag and National Anthem as given under Part IVA of the constitution as Article 51A(a) of the Fundamental Duties.
4) Citizens of the country must realize that they live in a nation and are duty-bound to show respect to the National Anthem which is the symbol of constitutional patriotism and inherent national quality
What is the difficulty in implementing this order?
The court order does not entail any penalty or punishment for not standing when the national anthem is played and hence, it remains to be seen how public authorities and those managing private cinema halls would ensure the direction is followed “in letter and spirit.”
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