The Supreme Court today clarified that the audience need not stand when the National Anthem is played as a part of the storyline of a film, newsreel or documentary. 

"It is clarified that when the National Anthem is played as part of the storyline of a film, newsreel or a documentary the audience need not stand," the bench said. 

The bench, which said the issue raised by petitioners needs to be debated, has fixed the matter for further hearing on 18 April.

The apex court had on 30 November last year ordered cinema halls across the nation to mandatorily play the National Anthem before screening of a movie and the audience must stand and show respect.