Not just physically disabled, but even persons suffering from autism, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson disease, deaf and blind, and leprosy cured, will not be required to stand when the national anthem is played in cinema halls.
The Court made this exception to its November 19, 2016 order on an application moved by the National Platform for Rights of the Disabled demanding exemption from standing up when the national anthem is played before screening of any movie. The Court issued the order to enforce a spirit of patriotism among citizens and to foster respect for national symbols.
With a Kerala-based film producers association seeking a recall of the order citing judicial overreach, the Centre came in defence of the Court order and the petitioner who espoused the cause of the national anthem to be shown honour. ASG Tushar Mehta, who represented the Centre and the states of Maharashtra and Rajasthan, said, “It is unfortunate to see that a citizen has to approach a Constitutional court to enforce our Fundamental Duty to show respect to the national anthem. But what is more unfortunate is that a section of people are opposing it.”
The Kerala association clarified that the attempt to paint one as “anti-national” or less patriotic for criticizing a judgment of the Court was unfortunate as it claimed that the opposition is not to the singing of national anthem but to the way it is sought to be enforced by the Court when it squarely falls in the legislative domain.