Today we look into some of the rules and regulations that govern the national flag and how not abiding with them can lead to disciplinary action.
The national flag or the Indian tricolour is a symbol of pride for all of us and it so well depicts our nationality. When the flag is hoisted from the Red Fort every year by the Prime Minister of the country it gives us a true feeling of being Indian. We take pride in our existence and identity.
When a player flutters our national flag or when during a sporting event we see our tricolour been hoisted, the spirit of nationalism takes over. When our brave soldiers hold the national flag or hoist and salute it, it symbolises our triumph over the enemy. And when a soldier's body comes wrapped in tricolour our respect for the brave heart doubles.
Today we look into some of the rules that govern the national flag and how not abiding with them can lead to disciplinary action. The display of the national flag was originally governed by the provisions of the Emblems and Names - Prevention of Improper Use Act, 1950 and the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.
The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 prohibits the insult to the country's national symbols like the national flag, the Constitution, the national anthem and the Indian map.
The Flag Code of India came into effect in 2002 which allowed the unrestricted display of the tricolour as long as the honour and dignity of the flag were being respected. However, it does not replace the pre-existing rules governing the correct display of the flag.
1. Flag Code of India came into effect in 2002
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The Flag Code of India came into effect in 2002 which allowed the unrestricted display of the tricolour as long as the honour and dignity of the flag were being respected. However, it does not replace the pre-existing rules governing the correct display of the flag.
It is divided into three parts - a general description of the tricolour, rules on display of the flag by public and private bodies and educational institutions, and rules for display of the flag by governments and government bodies.
(Image Source: Twitter@PIB_India)
2. Indian soldiers put tricolour on martyr Ummer Fayaz's casket
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The national flag cannot be waved at half-mast except on specific occasions or be used for draping in any form whatsoever, except in state funerals or for the last rites of our army or paramilitary soldiers.
An inscription on a flag or painting the tricolour on clothes or furnishings or on any artforms is considered disrespect to the Tricolour, according to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.
(Image Source: File Photo)
3. Flag Code allows unrestricted display of tricolour
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The national tricolour should not be allowed to touch the ground or trail in water or be put up in an inverted manner as per the provisions of the Emblems and Names.
The Flag Code of India came into effect in 2002 which allowed the unrestricted display of the tricolour as long as the honour and dignity of the flag were being respected.
(Image Source: Twitter@PIB_India)
4. Putting up damaged or dishevelled flag prohibited
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The Flag Code of India mentions that tricolour cannot be used for commercial purposes, and cannot be dipped in salute to any person or thing.
According to the Flag Code, whenever the flag is displayed, it should be distinctly placed and should 'occupy the position of honour'. Putting up a damaged or dishevelled flag is prohibited.
(Image Source: File Photo)
5. Paper flags should not be casually discarded
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Any paper flags, which are used on occasions of national and cultural occasions or sporting events, should not be casually discarded and must be disposed of in private.
For official display, only flags that conform to the specifications as laid down by the Bureau of Indian Standards and bearing their mark can be used.
(Image Source: File Photo)
