Aiming to “instill a sense of committed patriotism and nationalism” in citizens, the Supreme Court on Wednesday made it mandatory to play the national anthem before movie screenings in theatres. The apex court has also ordered that, exits will be shut at the time of the national anthem, and everyone present at the theatre should stand up to the anthem.
The court also ruled that, when the Anthem is played, the image of the national flag will be on the screen, and it is “imperative for everyone to show honour and respect”.
A bench led by Dipak Misra, stated that, "People now-a-days don't know how to sing national anthem and people must be taught. We must respect national anthem."
However, no sooner the judgement was passed, individuals took to social media to express their opinion about the “forced nationalism.” To what the court called “the symbol of constitutional patriotism," individuals had their judgement divided.
How about National Anthem in shopping malls?
Why #NationalAnthem in just movies which we pay to watch? Why not in school prayers,
— Shekhar Gupta (@ShekharGupta) November 30, 2016
work-place assemblies, Rotary & Lions Club meetings
SC says National Anthem to play before all movies. This is not enough. It should be sung in malls, hospitals, before Uber ride starts, etc.
— Kautuk Srivastava (@Cowtuk) November 30, 2016
*National anthem plays*
— Rohan (@mojorojo) November 30, 2016
SO PROUD OF COUNTRY I love IT
*4 hours later, Mohenjo Daro ends*
Kya stupid desh hai bc aise logo ko paisa milta hai
Hard time for @ArvindKejriwal. Now he has to stand up in respect of #NationalAnthem every time he goes for movie review in theatre. pic.twitter.com/6Obn5CHw25
— Voice of Assam (@VoiceOfAxom) November 30, 2016
Seems SC has nothing better to do than entertain PIL on Sikh Jokes & playing of #NationalAnthem in cinemas.
— Mohan Almal (@Mohanalmal) November 30, 2016
There should be a national anthem file attached in all movie torrents: SC
— dorku (@Dorkstar) November 30, 2016
Soldiers are standing you can't stand
"SOLDIER ARE STANDING AT THE BORDER!!!! YOU CAN'T STAND FOR NATIONAL ANTHEM BEFORE MOVIE????"
— Daniel Fernandes (@absolutelydanny) November 30, 2016
I always thought "Vicco Turmeric, nahi cosmetic" was our national anthem which is why it played before every movie.
— Aditi Mittal (@awryaditi) November 30, 2016
#IWillNotStandUp. #NationalAnthem pic.twitter.com/z1uUtOfLs9
— Anand Ranganathan (@ARangarajan1972) November 30, 2016
Proving loyalty?
Showing patriotism through #NationalAnthem is the cheapest way to prove your loyalty towards the nation.
— Ambedkar's Caravan (@AmbedkarCaravan) November 30, 2016
Not a good move. Why disrespect it in a theatre playing a RGV movie? Or a Sajid Khan movie? #NationalAnthem
— Chandler Bing! (@TheRainPoet) November 30, 2016
Connecting demonetisation with the SC ruling.
The #NationalAnthem should play every time an ATM runs out of cash.
— Absinthe Minded (@MinstrelofSound) November 30, 2016
If you sing the National Anthem three times in front of a mirror, Modiji appears and gives you a 100 rupee note.
— Anuya (@anuyeaah) November 30, 2016
While many expressed their dissatisfaction over the ruling, there were ones who welcomed the move, hitting out at individuals whose opinion differed.
Why can't you stand for #NationalAnthem when you can stand in ATM queue for hours? — . (@starlordism) November 30, 2016 Whats wrong in being a nationalist? Whats wrong in standing up for national anthem?#NationalAnthem
— Manak Gupta (@manakgupta) November 30, 2016
Love to stand up for the #NationalAnthem be it before a match on TV, in theaters or in a stadium. I stand with up pride.
— Talk2Arijit (@ProudRed82) November 30, 2016
We can sit to watch a 2-hour movie (be it good or bad) in a cinema hall but we can't rise for 2-minutes to sing our #NationalAnthem? Ah!
— Krishna B Mariyanka (@KMariyanka) November 30, 2016