National Anthem in Movie Theaters – The Supreme Court has ordered that the National Anthem must be played in public theaters across the country before a movie, minus any dramatisation. It also ordered that the national flag be shown on screen when the anthem is played. SC directed the Centre that the order should be given effect in a week’s time and be circulated to all the states and UTs.

• A bench of Justice Dipak Misra and Justice Amitava Roy said that this would instill a feeling of constitutional patriotism and nationalism.
• It is the duty of every citizen to abide by the ideals ingrained in the Constitution and as such show respect to the National Anthem and the national flag.
• The court’s order came on a public interest litigation (PIL) by Shayam Narayan Chouksey seeking framing of guidelines on the playing of the National Anthem.
• The order comes with additional caveats such as everyone present in the hall must rise and “pay respect” to the National Anthem.
•  The Delhi High Court issued a notice to the Centre and the Delhi government on a plea for directions to make playing of the national anthem mandatory in all cinema halls/theatres before movie shows.
• The apex court had last month issued a notice to the Centre asking it to specify what would constitute disrespect to the national anthem.