In an unprecedented move, the Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered that it would be mandatory for all cinema halls in the country to play the national anthem to visuals of the national flag before every movie screening in a theatre.

While the order created a storm on social media with extreme reactions from all across the country, most politicians sided with the SC’s decision, welcoming the move. 

 Venkaiah Naidu

Union minister Venkaiah Naidu applauded the decision and said it would help “inculcate patriotism” among youngsters. 

He said, ” It is a very good decision. It will inculcate a sense of patriotism among people particularly the younger generation.” 

Raj Babbar

The Congress leader welcomed the move and said, ” This is a good thing. Our National Anthem has to be respected. The young generation should understand and should be educated about the importance of the National Anthem.” 

Renuka Chowdhaury

According to an IndiaToday report, Congress Rajya Sabha MP Renuka Chaudhary also welcomed the order and felt there was nothing wrong with it. 

She said, “It is an old practice, it is a matter of pride to stand up for a few minutes for the National Anthem and then to watch 2-3 hour long movie, there’s nothing wrong with it. If you can see some dumb advertisement then why can’t you stand for National Anthem.” 

Ram Gopal Yadav

The Samajwadi Party leader welcomed the move, calling it a “good  decision”. 

Paresh Rawal 

The actor turned politician also agreed with the SC’s decision and welcomed the move. 

This is what the BJP MP said, 

Asaduddin Owaisi

The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief was the only one who felt that one cannot be made “patriotic” by forceful measures. In a statement to PTI, he questioned, “It (the directive) is alright and it has to be followed. But the question is whether it requires people to stand up when the anthem is being rendered? Will this help see rise in patriotism or nationalism?” 

Criticising the order, he even tweeted: 

with inputs from PTI