MHA tells States to ensure no commercial exploitation of national anthem
New Delhi: The Centre has asked all states to ensure that there is no commercial exploitation or dramatisation of national anthem and all movie halls must show national flag on the screen while the Anthem is being played.
In a communication to Chief Secretaries of all States and Union Territories, the Home Ministry said there shall be no commercial exploitation to give financial advantage or any kind of benefit.
"To elaborate, the national anthem should not be utilised by which the person involved with it either directly or indirectly shall have any commercial benefit or any other benefit,” the communication said.
The Home Ministry said there shall not be dramatisation of the national anthem and it should not be included as a part of any variety show. It is because when the national anthem is sung or played it is imperative on the part of every one present to show due respect and honour.
"To think of a dramatised exhibition of the national anthem is absolutely inconceivable," it said.
The communication said all cinema halls in the country shall play the national anthem before the feature film starts and all present in the hall are obliged to stand up to show respect to the national anthem.
"Prior to the national anthem is played or sung in the cinema hall on the screen, the entry and exit doors shall remain closed so that no one can create any kind of disturbance which will amount to disrespect to the national anthem. After the national anthem is played or sung, the doors can be opened. When the national anthem shall be played in cinema halls, it shall be with the national flag on the screen," it said.
The advisory came in the wake of Supreme Court's November 30 order relating to the national anthem and take necessary action in this regard.
The Home Ministry said the national anthem or a part of it shall not be printed on any object and also never be displayed in such a manner at such places which may be disgraceful to its status and tantamount to disrespect.
"It is because when the national anthem is sung, the concept of protocol associated with it has its inherent roots in national identity, national integrity and constitutional patriotism. The abridge version of the national anthem made by any one for whatever reason shall not be played or displayed," it said.
