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India: National anthem to be played before movies, rules Supreme Court

WION
New Delhi, Delhi, IndiaUpdated: Dec 01, 2016, 07:39 AM IST
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"It is the duty of every citizen to abide by the ideals ingrained in the Constitution and as such show respect to the National Anthem and the national flag," the order said. (Image source: Wikimedia Commons) Photograph:(Others)

The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday ruled the Indian national anthem must be played in movie theatres before movie screenings.

All exits will remain locked during that time so that no one can create any kind of disturbance that will amount to disrespect to the national anthem, a bench comprising of Justice Dipak Misra and Amitava Roy said.

"It is the duty of every citizen to abide by the ideals ingrained in the Constitution and as such show respect to the national anthem and the national flag," the bench said.

"People must feel this is my country and this is my motherland," the bench said. "At the root of protocol for national anthem, is respect for national identity, integrity and constitutional patriotism," the bench added.

The order also states that everyone present in the hall must rise and "pay respect" to the national anthem.

(WION with inputs from agencies)