Independendence Day: As India embarks on its 76th year of Independence, finishing up the 75-week countdown to August 15, 2022, was the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ program of the government motivated by the nodal ministry for ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ the Ministry of Culture.
As Independence Day ended, people are now taking down the flags they presented in their homes. Before removing, storing, or disposing of a national flag, it is important to understand the various rules that must be followed. These restrictions are governed by the Flag Code of India 2002.
How to store the Indian National Flag?
There is a specific manner to store the flag after lowering it down. Place the flag horizontally first and then fold the saffron and green bands under the white band. Fold them in such a way that both the strips of saffron and green can be seen. Then fold the white band inward from either side, toward the center, until only the Ashoka Chakra and a small portion of the saffron and green bands are visible. After that, carry the flag in your palms or arms and store it.
How to dispose of a paper flag?
During cultural or national events, many people wave paper national flags. The Flag Code of 2002 states that these paper flags should not be discarded on the ground. They should be discard in private like damaged flags, “keeping in mind the dignity of the National Flag.”
How to dispose of a damaged flag?
As per the Flag Code of India 2002, if your Indian National flag is damaged, “it shall be destroyed as a whole in private, preferably by burning or any other method considering the dignity of the National Flag”.
Here are some other rules to be followed to avoid disrespecting the national flag. These rules come under The Prevention of Insults to National Honor Act, 1971. Violations under this Act can result in imprisonment of up to three years or a fine.
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- The national flag cannot be used as drapery in any way (except in state funerals or armed forces or other para-military forces funerals).
- The National flag cannot be used as a part of any costume, uniform, or accessory of any kind worn below a person’s waist.
- The National flag cannot be embroidered or printed on handkerchiefs, cushions, undergarments, napkins, or any other dress material.
- The National flag cannot have any inscription or lettering on it.
- The National flag cannot be used to cover, hold, receive, or deliver goods (except flower petals before it is unfolded as part of celebrations on occasions like Republic Day, Independence Day, etc.)
- The National flag cannot be used to cover a statue or a monument or a Speaker’s desk or platform.
- The National flag cannot touch the ground or the floor or trail in water intentionally.
- The National flag cannot be used to cover any building or any mode of transport including trains, boats or aircrafts, or any other similar object.
- The National flag cannot be intentionally displayed with the “saffron” down.
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