National anthem must be played before screening of films

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

Question: Recently Supreme Court ordered that national anthem should be played in all cinema halls across the country before the screening of a movie. The court’s directions came on a PIL filed by-
(a) Arvind Pathak
(b) Nutan Thakur
(c) Shyam Narayan Chouksey
(d) Archana Massey
Ans:(c)
Related facts:

  • On 30 November 2016 Supreme Court ordered that national anthem should be played in all cinema halls across the country before the screening of a movie.
  • It should be accompanied by a national flag on the screen.
  • The apex court stated that everyone present in the cinema halls must rise and pay respect to the national anthem.
  • 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 Supreme Court took note of Article 51(A) of the Constitution which makes respecting the National Anthem a fundamental duty of every citizen.
  • A bench of Dipak Misra and Amitava Roy said that it is the duty of every citizen of the country to show respect to the national anthem and the flag.
  • The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 is an Act of the Parliament of India which prohibits desecration of or insult to the country’s national symbols, including the National Flag, The Constitution, Indian map and the National Anthem.
  • If someone found doing so, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.

Reference:
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/national-anthem-must-be-played-in-theatres-before-movies-orders-supreme-court/articleshow/55701176.cms
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/National-anthem-must-be-played-before-screening-of-films-Supreme-Court/article16729264.ece
http://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/national-anthem-must-be-played-in-theatres-before-screening-of-movies-sc-116113000268_1.html