New Delhi:
Ten days after making national anthem mandatory in cinemas, the Supreme Court on Friday clarified that differently-abled persons need not stand up.
Justice Dipak Misra said that the differently-abled persons have exemption from standing while the national anthem is played in theatres before the start of a film. The order also said the halls will not be bolted during the duration of the Anthem.
In its 30 November order, a bench of Justice Dipak Misra and Justice Amitava Roy said that playing the anthem would instil a feeling of constitutional patriotism and nationalism.
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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 bench had 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 said.
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