Modifying its 2016 order, the Supreme Court has said that playing the national anthem in movie theatres is not compulsory.
NDTV reported the court as saying that, "People do not need to stand up at a cinema hall to be perceived as patriotic... cannot be assumed that if a person does not stand up for national anthem, then he is less patriotic".
This comes a day after the Centre had filed an affidavit, suggesting the court to modify the order, on the grounds that it had set up a committee to look into the matter.
Outlook reported the court as saying that in case a cinema hall plays the the national anthem, it is the duty of every citizen to stand except for those with disabilities.
In 2016, the Supreme Court had said that the national anthem had to be played mandatorily in movie theatres for "the love of the motherland" and it had mandated that people would need to stand up to show respect to it.
"Universalism is alright but still Bharat is the epitome of culture, knowledge... Gyaan and Vigyaan... people should feel that they live in a nation and show respect to the national anthem and the national flag," the court had said.
Meanwhile, the government in its affidavit said that a committee has been set up to decide under what circumstances and on which occasions the national anthem can be played.
The Indian Express reported that the government has said in its affidavit that it will give recommendations on the issue within six months of the date of constitution of the committee, after considering different issues and carrying out discussions relating to the national anthem.
The committee, according to reports, will comprise members of several ministries.
The Economic Times reported that representatives of law, defence, home, external affairs, culture, women and child development, I&B, parliamentary affairs, minorities, education and disability ministries will be part of the committee.