As per case facts, a public-spirited petitioner approached the Court seeking directions regarding showing respect to the National Anthem, defining disrespect, and preventing its commercial exploitation. The Court had initially ... issued interim orders making the playing of the National Anthem mandatory in cinema halls before feature films and obliging all present to stand up. The question arose as to whether this mandatory interim order should be continued or modified, especially given the formation of a new inter-Ministerial Committee tasked with providing recommendations for regulating the playing and singing of the National Anthem and suggesting changes to existing laws. Finally, the Supreme Court modified its earlier interim order, making the playing of the National Anthem in cinema halls optional or directory. It directed the newly constituted Committee to submit its recommendations uninfluenced by the interim directions, for appropriate action by the Central Government. Exemptions for disabled persons were to remain in force.