States yet to decide on national anthem query

States yet to decide on national anthem query

News:

1. No states respond to the Centre’s letter seeking their opinion on playing of the national anthem in cinema halls and public places.

Important Facts

2. On December 5 last year, the Home Ministry notified the appointment of a 12-member inter-ministerial committee which would take a final call on the playing of the national anthem in cinema and public places.
3. The committee is expected to give recommendations regarding regulations on playing/singing of the national anthem and suggest changes in the acts and orders relating to the Insult of National Honour Act, 1971.
4. Committee was expected to submit its report within six months.
5. The Central government’s decision to set up the expert committee came after the Supreme Court observation that people’s patriotism cannot be judge whether the person stand for the national anthem or not.
6. An earlier advisory of the Home Ministry said that audiences were not expected to stand if the national anthem was played as part of the film.
7. Home ministry also observes that Whenever the Anthem is sung or played; the audience shall stand to attention.
8. However, when in the course of a newsreel or documentary the anthem is played as a part of the film, it is not expected of the audience to stand as standing is bound to interrupt the exhibition of the film and would create disorder and confusion rather than add to the dignity of the anthem.