You can wear the national colours, it’s legal

NEW DELHI: You can now wear patriotism on your sleeves, literally. The Lok Sabha on Tuesday passed a Bill that lawfully allows citizens to have the National Flag on their costumes, uniform and even dress materials, if worn in a respectable manner.

The Bill moved by union minister of state for Home Manik Rao Gavit, sought amendment to the Prevention of Insults to the National Honour Act, 1971.

However, despite the amendment, Indians cannot wear the Tri-color on undergarment, socks etc as is the practice in many other countries. In fact, the National Flag cannot be used as a portion of costumes, uniform or accessory of any description below the waist, nor can it be used by way of embroidering or printing in items of daily use such as cushions, handkerchiefs and undergarment. Offence related to disobeying the code could lead to imprisonment of one year minimum.

The Bill, which has been significantly pushed by the sportsmen who wish to wear the National Flag on their dresses, headgear, T-shirts, vests etc at international competitions, will now to go to the RS.

Congress MP Naveen Jindal, who has passionately spearheaded the flag campaign, seemed relieved at his second initiative being accepted. “The passing of the bill has been historic. For the first time there was complete unanimity across party lines on the issue.” 

The current issue pertaining to the flag was taken up by Jindal in February this year after Sachin Tendulkar was asked to remove the flag from his helmet.