AMN / NEW DELHI
The Supreme Court today said, the playing of national anthem is not mandatory in cinema halls before the screening of a film.
The court modified its November 30, 2016’s order by which it had made playing of the anthem mandatory. A bench, headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra, said a 12-member inter-ministerial committee, set up by the Centre, would take a final call on the issue adding that it should comprehensively look into all aspects.
The court also allowed the petitioners to make representations before the panel.
The bench, while disposing of the petitions pending before it, also made it clear that the exemption granted to disabled persons from standing in the halls when the anthem is being played, will remain in force till the committee takes a decision.
The top court accepted the government’s affidavit which had said that the panel has been set up to suggest changes in the 1971 Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act.
Attorney General KK Venugopal told the bench yesterday that the committee will submit its report within six months.
