New Delhi / AMN
The Supreme Court Friday modified its November 30 order and exempted the physically challenged or physically handicapped person from standing up when the national anthem is played in cinema hall before the start of a film show.
The bench of Justice Dipak Misra and Justice Amitava Roy modified their November 30 order by which the court had directed cinema halls to play the National Anthem before the start of movies and when the National Anthem is sung or played, it is imperative on the part of everyone present to show due respect and honour by standing up.
On other applications seeking the recall of the November 30 order, the court said that “the same has to be heard on merits when the matter is finally debated upon” as it directed next hearing of the matter on February 14, 2017.
Modifying the November 30 order, the court said, “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 court clarified that by physically challenged or physically handicapped persons, it means persons with disability as defined under Sections 2(i) and 2(t) of the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995.
While modifying the November 30 order, the court noted the statement by the Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi that Centre would within 10 days issue guidelines as to how physically challenged or physically handicapped persons shall show respect to the National Anthem when it is played in cinema halls.