The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued an “immediate” directive to all States, Union Territories, and Central Ministries, calling for strict compliance with the Flag Code of India, 2002 and the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.
In its directive, the Ministry stressed that the Indian National Flag represents the hopes and aspirations of the people and must always be treated with dignity and respect. It noted that a lack of awareness regarding the proper display and handling of the flag continues to persist among sections of the public and institutions.
The Ministry specifically instructed authorities to ensure that paper flags used during national, cultural, and sporting events are not discarded improperly.
It stated that such flags should be disposed of in private and in a manner consistent with the dignity of the National Flag.
The Flag Code of India, 2002 allows citizens, private organisations, and educational institutions to hoist the National Flag on all days and occasions, provided it is displayed respectfully. It also permits the flag to be flown both during the day and at night.
As per the Code, the flag may be made of hand-spun, hand-woven, or machine-made materials such as cotton, polyester, wool, silk, or khadi, and must be rectangular in shape with a prescribed ratio of 3:2.
The guidelines further state that the National Flag must always occupy a position of honour, should not be damaged or dishevelled, and must not be displayed below or alongside any other flag on the same mast.
Additionally, the Code specifies that the National Flag may only be flown on vehicles of designated dignitaries, including the President, Vice-President, Prime Minister, and Governors.