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It was almost a year ago, when the Supreme Court layed down the controversial judgment declaring it as a mandatory practice for theaters to play the national anthem – and thereby forcing people to stand up, before the start of every movie.
The notion of enforced patriotism did not go down well with a lot of people who called the Honorable court’s judgment “bizarre” and protested to have it repealed.
Although, the order has since been in full-practice over the last year, resulting into numerous controversies and chaos, including incidents of people being thrashed inside the theaters for not standing up during the anthem, it seems the court may finally consider revoking the controversial order.
On Monday, a Bench headed by the newly appointed chief justice of India, Dipak Mishra, asked the central government to look upon this matter and take an action regarding the drafting of apt rules and regulations on playing the national anthem in theatres. The center has been asked to respond back with a resolution on the matter until January 9, 2018.
“The government will want people to stop wearing T-shirts and shorts to cinemas saying this would disrespect the National Anthem,” the bench declared.
“People go to cinema halls for undiluted entertainment. Society needs entertainment. We cannot allow you (Centre) to shoot from our shoulders. People do not need to stand up in cinema halls to prove their patriotism.”
They further added -“Desirability is one thing but making it mandatory is another. Citizens cannot be forced to carry patriotism on their sleeves and courts cannot inculcate patriotism among people through its order.”
The next hearing will happen on January 9 and a concrete decision shall be taken by the Supreme Court.
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