Telangana News

Modifying its order on National Anthem, the Supreme Court exempted physically handicapped persons from standing before screening of a movie in cinema halls across the country. It also clarified that the doors of theatres need not be bolted when the National Anthem is played.

However, the court said that, the physically disabled must show “some such gesture” to express their respect for anthem.

Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi informed the court that the Centre will issue guidelines within 10 days on how physically challenged persons should show respect to the National Anthem.

“As the guidelines are going to be issued, 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.

“Another aspect needs to be cleared. When we said that the doors shall be closed, we did not mean that the doors shall be bolted as mentioned in the case of Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Delhi vs. Uphaar Tragedy Victims Association and Ors. ...but only to regulate the ingress and egress during the period while the National Anthem is played,” the bench said.

The matter is now fixed for hearing on February 14, 2017.