National anthem in cinema halls: Differently-abled exempted from standing

The Supreme Court on Friday exempted differently-abled people from standing when the national anthem would be played in cinema halls across the country.

The Central Government, however, informed the apex court that it would circulate the order to the Chief Secretaries of all the states and would also publish it in the print and broadcast on the electronic media.

Meanwhile, the apex court made it clear that the playing of abridged version of the national anthem would not be permitted.

The matter now has been listed for further hearing on February 14.

While passing the order, the Supreme Court had said playing of the national anthem in cinemas and displaying of the national flag would be mandatory before the beginning of any movie.

An apex court bench headed by Justice Dipak Misra passed the order while hearing a plea filed by one Shyam Narayan Chouksey, stating time has come for the people of India to feel that they live in a nation and show respect to the Constitutional nationalism.

"The time has come for the people of India to feel that they live in a nation and respect constitutional nationalism. All people present in the movie must rise and pay respect to the anthem and the flag also to publish it on electronic and print media," the Apex Court ordered.