The Union Home Ministry on Monday said that any kind of dramatised exhibition of the anthem is “absolutely inconceivable”, PTI reported. It has asked all the states to ensure that there was no commercial exploitation or dramatisation of the national anthem. All movie halls must show the national flag on the screen while the anthem is being played, the ministry said in a communication to chief secretaries of all states and Union Territories.

“To elaborate, the national anthem should not be utilised by which the person involved with it either directly or indirectly shall have any commercial benefit or any other benefit,”the Ministry said. It also said the entry and exit doors shall remain closed when the national anthem is being played since any kind of disturbance will amount to disrespect to the anthem.

The MHA advisory comes weeks after the Supreme court ordered that the national anthem must be played in all cinema halls in the country before film screenings. The apex court also said abridged versions of the national anthem should not be played. The verdict was passed on November 30.