National anthem must be played before screening of films: Supreme Court

November 30, 2016

cinema1
New Delhi, Nov 30: The Supreme Court today directed that cinema halls across the country must play the national anthem before the screening of a film and people should stand up as a mark of respect.

The court also directed that the national flag should be shown on screen when the anthem is played. "People must feel this is my country and this is my motherland," a bench of justices Dipak Misra and Amitava Roy said while stressing that it is the duty of every citizen of the country to show respect to the national anthem and the flag.

"At the root of protocol for national anthem, is respect for national identity, integrity and constitutional patriotism," the bench said while directing the Centre that the order should be given effect in a week's time and be circulated to all States and Union Territories through chief secretaries.

It also said no person should take commercial benefits by playing the anthem and that it should not be dramatised.

The apex court said the anthem should not be printed or displayed on undesirable objects, and also barred it from being played on variety shows and its abridged version anywhere.

Directing that its order be shown in electronic and print media and be followed in letter and spirit, the court said, "Time has come when people should feel they live in a nation" and "even in Shastras, nationalism was accepted."

The court's directions came on a PIL filed by Shyam Narayan Chouksey seeking directions that the national anthem should be played in cinema halls across the country before a film begins and proper norms and protocol be fixed regarding its playing and singing at official functions and the programmes where constitutional dignitaries are present.

The apex court had last month issued notice to the Centre asking it to specify what would constitute disrespect to the national anthem.

Comments

TRUE INDIAN
 - 
Wednesday, 30 Nov 2016

It's an insult to national anthem. TRUE desh bhaktis should not watch any movie.

TRUE INDIAN
 - 
Wednesday, 30 Nov 2016

ALL STAND FOR NATIONAL ANTHEM. BEFORE SUNNY LEONES MOVIE BEGANS.

Sensible
 - 
Wednesday, 30 Nov 2016

Yes, very good move, SC should also make it compulsory that everybody sing Vande Mataram after the Movie and march past to their bikes and cars..

Fairman
 - 
Wednesday, 30 Nov 2016

National anthem to be made such, everyone can understand and acceptable. It should be like a prayer and praying the God to bless our people, our land and whole world.

So that it does not hurt anyone, nor against the sentiments of people.
Rather the judges to rule it, the people should cultivate in practice such teachings with every fellow citizen and everyone in the world including all animals and plants.

The judges order does not mean final fact, they can also make human errors.
It should be debatable.

The anthem should be such a way, it does not contradict anybody's belief and faith

shaji
 - 
Wednesday, 30 Nov 2016

Good move. anti nationals who use to hoist Pak flag should be booked under goonda act and punished.

Rikaz
 - 
Wednesday, 30 Nov 2016

And also instruct viewers to say national anthem along with it too....this will help boosting their patriotism....good job Supreme Court....

Shaad
 - 
Wednesday, 30 Nov 2016

Good move. Tight slap for those who still not accept our National flag and National anthem.

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News Network
December 15,2025

Mangaluru police have arrested a 27-year-old NRI on his return from Saudi Arabia in connection with an Instagram post allegedly containing derogatory and provocative remarks about the Hindu religion, officials said on Monday.

The accused, Abdul Khader Nehad, a resident of Ulaibettu in Mangaluru, was working in Saudi Arabia when the post was uploaded, police said.

A suo motu case was registered at the Bajpe police station on October 11 after an allegedly offensive post circulated from the Instagram account ‘team_sdpi_2025’. Police said the content was flagged for being provocative and derogatory in nature.

During the investigation, technical analysis traced the Instagram post to Nehad, who was residing abroad at the time, a senior police officer said. Based on these findings, a Look Out Circular (LOC) was issued against him.

On December 14, Nehad arrived from Saudi Arabia at Calicut International Airport in Kerala, where he was taken into custody on arrival. Police said further investigation is underway.

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News Network
December 19,2025

Mangaluru: Public transport in Mangaluru is set for a state-led transformation as the government moves to deploy 100 new electric govt buses to replace unreliable private services. The initiative aims to provide a dependable alternative to private operators who have been frequently "cutting trips," leaving thousands of commuters stranded.

The announcement was made by Deputy Commissioner and MCC Administrator Darshan HV during a public phone-in session. The move specifically targets routes where private bus service has become erratic, ensuring that citizens no longer have to rely on a fluctuating private sector for their daily commute.

Restoring the Govt Presence

The transport crisis was brought to the forefront by Ramayya, a resident of Bajal, who highlighted a growing trend of private buses skipping morning and night trips. With the previous KSRTC (govt) services discontinued, residents have been left without a fallback option.

To fix this, the DC confirmed that the PM-eBus Sewa Scheme will bring 100 government-owned electric buses to the city:

•    Phased Deployment: The first 50 of the new 100 government buses are scheduled to arrive by March 2026.

•    State Infrastructure: Two new government depots, including one at Mudipu, are being prepared for operations.

•    Recruitment: The state has already begun training a new batch of government bus drivers to ensure the fleet is operational the moment it arrives.

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