‘NO JANA GANA MANA IN COURTS’

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday said its directive to play the national anthem at movie halls should not be “overstretched” to include the country’s judicial system.

The apex bench headed by Justice Dipak Misra was taking a call on a petition that sought compulsory playing of ‘Jana Gana Mana’ before the start of the day’s work at every court across the country.

“Whether right or wrong, our order should not be overstretched. The bar should show some restrain,” the bench stated, adding that it was not inclined to entertain a plea filed by an advocate.

The court summoned attorney

Whether right or wrong, our order (on national anthem) should not be overstretched. The bar should show some restrain THE SUPREME COURT BENCH HEADED BY JUSTIC DIPAK MISRA

general Mukul Rohatgi after the advocate forwarded his onepage application in this regard. Rohatgi agreed with the bench that the request amounted to overstretching the judicial order on movie halls. He also said the petitioner should have filed a proper application to seek the judicial directive.

The apex court had ruled on November 30 that the national anthem should be played at movie halls before the start of every show. “Love and respect for the motherland is reflected when one shows respect to the national anthem as well as the national flag. That apart, such a step will instill a feeling of committed patriotism and nationalism (in the people),” it said, adding that the Tricolour should be displayed onscreen for the period.

Cinema halls were given 10 days’ time to comply with the order. The bench also ruled that the entry and exit gates of the hall remain shut as the anthem is being played, and the audience was “obliged to stand” and not create any disturbance during that time.