No one is bound to stand if national anthem is part of the film: SC

New Delhi: Modifying its earlier decision, the Supreme Court on Tuesday said that the audiences do not need to stand in respect if the national anthem is part of a film, newsreel or documentary.

The apex court said that it was not compulsory to sing the national anthem in cinema halls, and from here on, no one is bound to stand up if it is a part of film.

Earlier on November 30, 2016, the top court had directed all cinema halls across the nation to mandatorily play the national anthem before the screening of any movie and the audiences must stand to show respect.

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The court, last week, had refused to hold an urgent hearing on a plea appealing for direction for forming a policy to promote and propagate the anthem, national flag and national song.

"The time has come when citizens must realise they live in a nation and are duty-bound to show respect to National Anthem which is a symbol of constitutional patriotism and inherent national quality," a bench of Justices Dipak Misra and Amitava Roy had said.