New Delhi: The Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday that all cinema halls across the country must play the National Anthem before each show, and said moviegoers would “show honour and respect to it”.
The Court asked the Centre to circulate its order to the chief secretaries of all states and Union Territories, and posted the matter for further hearing on February 14, 2017.
The Congress also welcomed the order. Party spokesperson Gaurav Gogoi, however, demanded that the National Anthem should also be played everyday before the start of each Parliament session.
The Apex Court was hearing a PIL filed by one Shyam Narain Chouksey who had sought enforcement of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act.
Actor and BJP MP Paresh Rawal also hailed the Supreme Court’s direction. Hitting out at those who are opposed to the move, he said they have “lower intelligence” and will “oppose anything”. “There is nothing wrong in it (apex court's direction). Those who oppose, I think they have lower intelligence. They will oppose anything. It is a very good move,” Rawal said outside Parliament.
