Centre urges SC to modify its order on national anthem

Asks SC to modify directions given to cinema halls ◗ The Centre said that it has formed a committee to frame new guidelines on ‘ all aspects relating to the playing and singing of the national anthem’

New Delhi: The Centre on Monday suggested to the Supreme Court to modify its earlier order making it mandatory for cinema halls to play the national anthem before screening of a feature film. It said an inter- ministerial committee has been set up to frame guidelines describing circumstances and occasions on which the national anthem is to be played or sung.

Changing its stand over playing of national anthem in cinema halls, the Centre on Monday asked the Supreme Court to modify its order making playing of national anthem before every show mandatory in movie halls across the country.

In an affidavit submitted to the Supreme Court, the Centre said that it has formed an inter- ministerial committee to frame new guidelines on “all aspects relating to the playing and singing of the national anthem”. The guidelines would require extensive consultations and would require six months’ time.

It said once the recommendations are ready, the government would issue the requisite notification or circular.

Till such time, the earlier order making national anthem mandatory in cinema halls should be recalled, it said.

In October last, the Supreme Court had asked the Centre to take a call on regulating the playing of national anthem in public places including in cinema halls, within three months, and said till then its earlier order directing cinema halls to play national anthem at the commencement of film will continue.

Justice D. Y. Chandrachud, who was part of the three- judge bench, openly expressed displeasure to the interim order passed last year observing that there could not be any moral policing. The court then told attorney general K. K. Venugopal that the Centre should take a call on amending the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act ( Flag Code), which governs the playing the national anthem in public places and on certain occasions.