The Supreme Court order mandating that the national anthem be played at cinemas across India is not the first such rule; a similar one was first initiated in Maharashtra more than a decade ago. The state government had mandated playing the national anthem in theatres on Republic Day in 2003. Bhujbal liked the idea and approved Verma’s demand to play the national anthem in 150 theatres after the movie was screened. A year later, the Karnataka government also adopted the practice and started playing the national anthem in theatres in Bangalore. Speaking to HT, Verma said theatres in Maharashtra would play national anthem in the ’80s but only after late-night shows.

Source: Hindustan Times November 30, 2016 09:27 UTC