SC's decision on national anthem will inculcate patriotism among people: Govt

New Delhi: Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu today lauded Supreme Court's direction that cinema halls across the country must play national anthem before screening a film, saying it will inculcate a sense of patriotism among people particularly the younger generation.

"It is a very good decision. It will inculcate a sense of patriotism among people particularly the younger generation. I am very happy about it," Naidu who also holds the portfolio of Information and Broadcasting said.

The apex 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.

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.