Not mandatory to sing national anthem in cinema halls: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court on Tuesday modified its order on the national anthem.

India's highest court said it was not mandatory to sing the national anthem in cinema halls.

In its earlier order on November 30, 2016, the Supreme court had made playing of the anthem mandatory in cinema halls before the screening of a film.

The top court accepted the government's affidavit declaring that a 12-member committee would be set up to suggest changes in Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act.

The court said an inter-ministerial committee set up by the Centre shall take the final call on playing the national anthem in cinemas across the country.

The committee should comprehensively look into all aspects, the court said, adding that exemption for disabled from standing in cinema halls during national anthem shall remain in force.