Indian Flag Code

India celebrated its 75th Independence day on August 15, 2021, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the national flag at the Red Fort. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has recently issued an advisory for all the states and union territories to ensure that the Indian Flag code adheres to important events.

Also, read about the adoption of the Indian National Flag that took place on July 22, 1947, during the meeting of the Constituent Assembly.

Read more on the background of the tricolour and the meaning of its colours and symbols for the IAS exam.

Historical Background Of India Flag Code

The first-ever national flag was hoisted in 1906 on August 7 at the Parsee Bagan Square, Lower circular road, Calcutta. It consisted of three horizontal stripes of yellow, red, and green.

Subsequently, in 1921, freedom fighters Pingali Venkayya proposed another national flag design to Mahatama Gandhi, which consisted of two red and green bands.

Finally, after many changes, the tricolor flag was adopted at the Congress Committee meeting held in Karachi in 1931. The present flag was presented at a meeting in the constituent assembly held in 1947.

Rules For Displaying The Tricolour Flag

There were several rules which govern the display of the national flag and are discussed hereunder:

The Emblems And Names (Prevention and Improper Use) Act, 1950

The said act restricts the use of the national flag, the official seal of the President, and the coat of arms, which the government departments use. Similarly, Ashoka Chakra‘s pictorial representation of Mahatama Gandhi and the Prime Minister is also restricted under the act.

Prevention Of Insults To National Honour Act, 1971

The act prohibits the desecration of India’s national symbols, including the Constitution, national flag, Indian map, national anthem, and more. Anyone who is found insulting these symbols shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend up to 3 years, a fine, or both.

Also, learn about some interesting facts about the National Flag of India at the linked article.

What Is The Flag Code Of India?

The code of Indian flag came into effect in the year 2002. According to the code, the unrestricted display of the Tricolour flag of India was permitted provided that the dignity of the flag was being respected. However, the application of the Indian flag color code did not bring any changes to the existing rules applicable to the national flag. The code was an effort to combine the laws, practices, and conventions which ruled the protection of the dignity of the national flag.

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Parts of Flag Code Of India

The flag code of 2002 is divided into several parts and enlisted below:

• A basic description of the tricolour.
• Applicable rules about the display of the flag by various private and public bodies and varying educational institutes.
• Applicable rules about the display of the flag by the government and its departments.

Features Of The Flag Code Of India

• Removal of restriction on the display of the national flag by government bodies, educational institutes, and other applicable entities enlisted in the Indian flag code pdf. Exceptions to the same are mentioned in the Emblems and Names Act, 1950, and the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.
• The tricolor is not meant for commercial uses and must not be dipped as a salute to any person or thing.
• The tricolor should be placed distinctly to occupy a place of honor.
• The Indian flag must always be hoisted swiftly while it should be lowered ceremonially.
• The Indian flag should not be used for any festivities as an item of decoration.
• The Indian flag, if damaged, should be disposed of off in a manner appropriate with the dignity of the flag.
• For any official purpose, only those flags consistent with the specifications laid down by the Bureau of Indian Standards and bearing their special mark can be brought into use.

In a scenario where the death of a head of state occurs or during a state funeral, the tricolor may be flown at half-mast when the period of mourning is continuing. But, if such an event coincides with a day of national importance, such as the independence day or the republic day, then the national flag must be flown at half-mast only at the building where the deceased person’s body is lying.

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Conclusion

The tricolour is rectangular and must always be made from hand-spun and hand weaved wool or silk khadi. The design of the tricolor and its ratio should be maintained every time the national flag is made.

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