Chennai Police meanwhile registered a case under provisions of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, against the accused. The Hindu also reports that police action was taken only after a patrol team saw groups of movie-goers fighting outside the theatre. One of the men involved said that he was allegedly manhandled and threatened for not standing up when the national anthem was played. Members of both groups were later taken to the Ashok Nagar Police Station for an inquiry.
On the other hand, a separate complaint was filed against movie-goers who allegedly manhandled the seven people, accusing them of having threatened and abused them for not standing up during the national anthem.
The Supreme Court on November 30, in its order, had directed cinema halls across the country to play the national anthem before the screening of every movie and stated that all persons present must stand up in respect. The apex court last week, had modified its order exempting differently-abled persons from the rule.
(Sourced from agencies, feature image courtesy:oneindia.com)
