The Allahabad High Court on Tuesday dismissed a petition filed by filmmaker Karan Johar seeking quashing of a complaint against him which objected to playing of national anthem in his movie.

Dismissing the petition, the Lucknow Bench of the Court directed Johar to appear before the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Lucknow, in person on September 14.

On July 16, Justice D V Sharma directed the Bollywood director to appear before the High Court on July 20 along with original film 'Kabhi Kushi Kabhi Gham' in connection with the complaint.

The complaint was filed under various provisions of the Prevention of Insult to the National Honour Act, 1971.

Johar's counsel informed the Court that the filmmaker could not appear before it due to health reasons.

The lawyer also cited security reasons for non-appearance saying being a celebrity, Johar needed proper security.

The High Court later reserved its judgement.

In 2002, Pratap Chandra filed a complaint against the director alleging that the scene involving playing of the national anthem had violated provisions of the Act.

The then Judicial Magistrate in his order issued on April 17, 2002 had summoned the director on May 17 that year.

Johar had challenged the CJM's order in the High Court.