SC modifies National Anthem order, exempts differently abled

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday clarified its highly contentious order directing all theaters to routinely play the national anthem before every movie was shown, and the audience to mandatorily stand at attention to pay their respects to the anthem, exempting the differently-abled to sit through it respectfully.

The bench also clarified that the doors of the theater be shut and not bolted from outside to prevent a repeat of the Uphaar fire tragedy. The clarifications came just days of the controversial order which had divided people into bitter pro-and anti-anthem camps.

“It’s just a question of standing respectfully for 52 seconds,” those who rooted for it said. Those critical of it said that the court espousing a strident nationalistic line was a cause for worry for all freedom-loving Indians. “… we clarify, if a physically challenged person or physically handicapped person goes to the cinema hall to watch a film, he need not stand up, if he is incapable to stand, but must show such conduct which is commensurate with respect for the National Anthem,” the bench said. This change will be notified by the central government in 10 days, a bench, comprising Justices Dipak Misra and Amitava Roy, said.