SC modifies order, says playing NA in cinemas not mandatory

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday modified its earlier order on National Anthem and said that it was not mandatory to play the National Anthem in cinema halls before screening of a movie.
The apex court three-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dipak Misra and also comprising Justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud, on Tuesday accepted the suggestion of the top law officer representing the central government, KK Venugopal, and said that the playing of the National Anthem in cinema halls before screening a movie would henceforth be optional.
Venugopal submitted to the apex court bench that the Centre had already constituted a 12-member inter-ministerial group to study and make suggestion and possible changes in the Insult to National Honour Act, 1971 for effectively taking measures to enhance respect for the National Anthem.
The apex court passed the order after hearing in detail the arguments and submissions from various parties including the petitioner and respondents including the central government.
The apex court had on November 30, 2016, in its order, had made it mandatory for cinema halls to play the National Anthem prior to screening of a film.