The government on Monday told the Supreme Court it would set up a panel to frame rules for playing the national anthem in theatres and public places, The Indian Express reported.
The Centre, in an affidavit, told the court to put on hold its November 2016 order which made playing the national anthem in cinema halls mandatory, the Hindustan Times reported. The government said the court should “consider restoration of status quo ante, which is restoration of the position as it stood before the order was passed by the court on November 30, 2016”, until the new rules are in place.
In the affidavit filed by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the government said an inter-ministerial committee has been formed to frame guidelines on “all aspects relating to the playing and singing of the National Anthem”. It added that the guidelines would be ready in six months, reported The Hindu.
The Centre’s response comes months after the Supreme Court asked it to decide if it should be compulsory for the national anthem to be played in theatres. The court wanted the government’s decision by January 2018.
During the hearing in October 2017, Justice DY Chandrachud had criticised the government for supporting the previous order, saying, “Next, you will want people to stop wearing t-shirts and shorts to cinema halls, calling it disrespect to the national anthem.” “Where will this moral policing stop?” Chandrachud had said then, adding that people go to movie halls for “undiluted entertainment”.
The court will hear the matter again on Tuesday.
Buy an annual Scroll Membership to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!