National Anthem at theatres: Govt issues guidelines

New Delhi: The Centre directed all states and union territories to ensure that national anthem is neither exploited commercially nor is there any dramatisation of it, and said that it was mandatory for all cinema halls to show the national flag on the screen while the anthem is being played.

The home ministry, in its communication, stated that there shall be no commercial exploitation of the national anthem so as 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. To think of a dramatised exhibition of the national anthem is absolutely inconceivable,’” the communication states.

The advisory comes in the wake of Supreme Court’s November 30 order relating to the national anthem and to take necessary action in this regard.

“Prior to the national anthem being 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. When the national anthem shall be played in cinema halls, it shall be with the national flag on the screen,” it said.

“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 added.

The home ministry also clarified that 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.