#PopcornNationalism? The Supreme Court has clarified its National Anthem order [Read order]

The Supreme Court today was the epicenter for much hustle-bustle. While crowds thronged court number 6 for the Jayalalithaa verdict, another equally interesting hearing was going on in court 2, where a Bench of Justices Dipak Misra and R Banumathi today clarified its interim National Anthem order of November 30..Now, spectators and viewers need not stand if the National Anthem is being played “as part of the storyline of a feature film, newsreel or documentary”..But what was more interesting to watch was the sheer volume of intervention applications filed in this particular matter. .One Sanjeev Bhatnagar filed an application for being impleaded in the matter on the ground that the “National Anthem be changed”. Contending that he had been an avid researcher on the issue since the 1990s, Bhatnagar noted that the Anthem, in itself, did not have one single patriotic word in it..But the Bench refused to indulge in the debate, calling the prayer “too ambitious”, and keeping his application pending..Senior Advocate Rajeev Dhawan, who was also present during the hearing, had a few words to say as well..“I don’t agree with your Lordship’s order. I think this is popcorn nationalism. Your lordships may grant me liberty to intervene.”. The Bench acceded to the request. .During the next hearing, the Bench will also be deliberating the possibility of setting up a three-judge bench to hear the matter. The suggestion was floated by Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi, on the grounds that the matter was important enough for a bench to be constituted. While there was no consensus on the issue today, this matter will be debated further..The next hearing will also see issues relating to disability rights and problems of law and order being raised..The matter is now expected to come up on April 18..Read the order below.