The Supreme Court (SC), today has exempted the disabled persons category, from standing during National Anthem, before the screening of a film.

The apex court, earlier, had passed an order, in which it mentioned, that every individual has to stand during the screening of the National Anthem. People suffering from cerebral palsy, Parkinson disease, muscular dystrophy and other categories of disability are exempted to get up during the National Anthem before the screening of film, and this will be considered by the Union Home Ministry (UOI).

In addition, a notice was issued to the Centre, seeking a plea for Vande Mataram, to be essential for all educational institutions. A time period of four weeks, was given to the Centre to reply back. The next date of hearing in the matter is on August 23.

Earlier, few months back, certain guidelines were issued by the UOI, on how people with disabilities can show respect when the National Anthem is being played in movie halls or public functions, saying they should not move and position themselves “maintaining the maximum possible alertness physically”.

In November last year, the Supreme Court ordered cinema halls to play the National Anthem compulsorily before the screening of a film and directed that the audience must stand in respect. The order was subsequently modified, on December 9, following a plea that disabled people should be exempted.

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By Supraja