National Anthem shouldn't be played in cinema halls as people go there for entertainment, says Shooter Heena Sidhu

Indian shooter Heena Sidhu on Saturday said "National Anthem should not be played before movies in cinema halls" as people go there for entertainment.

Sidhu, who was the World Record holder in 10 metre air pistol event in 2014, told ANI, “First SC said National Anthem will be played before movies, then it made standing for it optional. It gives rogue elements chance to openly disrespect it. It mustn't be played before movies, people come there for entertainment.”

First SC said National Anthem will be played before movies, then it made standing for it optional. It gives rogue elements chance to openly disrespect it. It mustn't be played before movies, people come there for entertainment: Heena Sidhu, shooter on her tweet on National Anthem pic.twitter.com/cziEcYgjAi

— ANI (@ANI) November 25, 2017

The Supreme Court, on November 30, 2016, issued an order that the complete National Anthem should be played in cinema halls across the country before a movie starts.

The apex court further said that the National Anthem will be accompanied by the National Flag on screen.

The order also stated that everyone present in the cinema halls must rise and pay respect to the National Anthem and the National Flag.

SC gave one week’s time to circulate this is in every state and Union Terriroty and be made effective thereof.

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Several amendments were made by the SC to the existing order like exempting the differently-abled from standing while the National Anthem was played.

Furthermore, it said that people are not obliged to stand up when the National Anthem is being played as a part of a film.

Also Read: SC agrees to hear review petition on standing during ‘Jana Gana Mana’ in cinema halls

This is not the first time somebody raised questions on apex court's order. Earlier on 29 January, West Bengal Governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi said “forcible singing” of the National Anthem will turn the passionate hymn into a “humdrum chant”.