The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued an Advisory to all State Governments and Union Territory Administrations with regards to the usage and disposal of the National Flag. The important notification comes in light of recent events where plastic-made flags were used instead of paper flags leading to long-term degradation issues. The ministry reiterates the norms laid down under the ‘Flag Code of India, 2002’ and ‘The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971’ urging strict adherence from the public and media.
Compliance with National Flag Norms
Relevance is drawn to the provisions stated in the ‘Flag Code of India, 2002’. The advisory emphasizes that flags made of paper should be the only ones used by the public. The use of plastic flags poses a major problem owing to their non-biodegradable nature. Post event, these flags do not decompose easily and thereby managing their disposal keeping in line with the respect attributed to the flag becomes challenging.
The advisory further instructs that paper flags, post usage, should not be discarded or thrown on the ground. The disposal of such flags should take place privately, ensuring the dignity of the flag is maintained. It is now upon the public and media to sensitize others about this issue.
Penalties under Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971
The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 clearly mentions that anyone who disrespects the Indian National Flag or the Constitution of India in any public place will be subjected to severe punishment. The punishment may extend to imprisonment for a term up to three years, or a fine, or both.
In addition, the act also penalizes anyone who intentionally prevents the singing of the Indian National Anthem or causes disturbances during such singing. The same degree of punishment applies to these offences as well.
Description of the National Flag as per the Flag Code of India
The Flag code of India provides a detailed description of the National Flag. Consisting of three equally wide rectangular panels or sub-panels, the national flag is tri-coloured. The top panel is of India saffron (kesari) colour, and the bottom panel is India green. The middle panel is white that bears at its centre the Ashoka Chakra in navy blue colour with 24 equally spaced spokes.
The Ashoka Chakra is to be either screen printed, stenciled, embroidered or suitably printed so that it is completely visible on both sides of the flag. The National flag of India should be made of hand spun and hand woven wool/cotton/silk khadi bunting. The flag is rectangular in shape maintaining a ratio of the length to the height (width) of 3:2.
