SC national anthem ruling holds for film-fests too; no exemption for foreign guests

The Supreme Court on November 30 had made it mandatory for people to stand up for national anthem before movie is screened in theatres.

Even though the Supreme Court observed that there was no need for the disabled to stand up for national anthem in movie theatres, the apex court has firmly stated that even if you have to stand up 40 times at film festivals, you must.

The observation came in response to a plea filed by an organiser of an international film festival seeking some relaxation to its November 30 order. The organisers asserted that it might be really inconvenient for a number of foreigners attending the film fest.

However, the bench affirmed that order cannot be revised just because foreigners were attending the film fest.

“We cannot recall our orders just because certain international guests are attending. They might have to face some problems. Why sdo we need to change our decision just because of their convenience? Even if there are 40 movies being played in different halls, you will have to rise 40 times when the national anthem is played as a mark of respect,” the court said.

The Supreme Court on 30 November ordered that the national anthem will be played in cinema halls across the nations before the movie begins, asserting that the shorter versions of the national anthem will not be allowed.

However, just two days after the supreme court made it mandatory for the national anthem to be played in every cinema hall the apex court announced that the national anthem should not be played before the court proceedings starts.

The Supreme Court further made it clear that every person present in the cinema hall must rise and pay respect to the National Anthem. The national flag will also be displayed on the screen.

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