Two people were detained by the police in Hyderabad, after they did not stand up when the national anthem was being played in a theatre, before a movie screening. 

The incident happened at the Inox theatre in Kachiguda on Saturday, when the duo bought tickets to watch a Telugu film.

According to reports, a journalist had lodged an oral complaint against the two people with the Sultan Bazar police.

The journalist, who reportedly works for a local Telugu TV channel, alleged that they had violated the SC order on the national anthem.

“Before the movie started, national anthem was played. All of us rose from our seats barring two persons,” the complainant, who wished to remain anonymous, told The Hindu.

The Hindu report added that a police party arrived at the mall within minutes, and took the duo into custody. 

A case has also been registered under the the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act -1971.

The Supreme Court had on November 30, ordered all cinema halls across the country to play the national anthem before the screening of films. The court said the practice would "instill a feeling within one a sense of committed patriotism and nationalism."

"When the national anthem is played, it is imperative for everyone to show honour and respect. It would instil a sense of committed patriotism and nationalism," it said. 

A bench led by Dipak Misra, stated that, "People nowadays don't know how to sing national anthem and people must be taught. We must respect national anthem."

The top court also said that under no circumstances an abridged version of the national anthem can be played. The SC also said that the national anthem should not be printed or displayed on undesirable objects.

However, the SC rejected a petition that sought to make playing the National Anthem, prior to the start of court proceedings, mandatory.