National anthem must be played in cinema halls before screening of movies : Supreme Court

The court directed that everyone should stand when the anthem is played and the national flag should be shown on screen.

A Bench of Justices Dipak Misra and Amitava Roy said it is time that people express their "love for the motherland."

"People must feel this is my country. This is my motherland... Arrey, who are you? You are an Indian first. In other countries, you respect their restrictions. In India, you do not want any restrictions?" Justice Misra remarked.

The apex court's order came after a petition was filed on the  alleged misuse of the anthem in TV shows or movies.

The court also  ruled that national anthem should not be commercially exploited or dramatized.

"When the national anthem is played it is imperative for everyone to show honour and respect   It would instill a sense of committed patriotism and nationalism," it said.

The Bench said it is the duty of every person to show respect when the national anthem is played or recited or sung under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act of 1951.

"...people should feel that they live in a nation and show respect to the national anthem and the national flag," Justice Misra said. People should imbibe and express respect to the inherent quality of the anthem and the flag, it said.

The petition was filed by Shyam Narayan Chouski of a Bhopal-based NGO.

The Government, represented by Attorney-General Mukul Rohatgi, said it completely agrees with the need for specific guidelines to show respect and honour for the national anthem and the flag.