- Introduction:
The Indian National Flag, with its three horizontal bands of saffron, white and green, and the navy-blue Ashoka Chakra at its heart, is one of the most recognisable symbols of a civilisation that stretches back millennia. Dr S. Radhakrishnan told the Constituent Assembly in 1947 that it stands for renunciation and disinterestedness (saffron), truth and the path of light (white), and India’s deep relationship with the natural world (green). It has at its centre the Ashoka Chakra, the wheel of ‘dharma’ of virtue, of motion, of life.
The new Flag Code of India, 2002 came into force on 26 January 2002, replacing the old flag code. It builds on – and also works in conjunction with – the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 and the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950.
- The Flag Code is divided into three parts:
(a) Part I — General description of the National Flag.
(b) Part II — Rules for display by members of the public, private organisations and educational institutions.
(c) Part III — Rules for display by Union and State governments and their agencies and organisations.
(A) Part I- Description of the National Flag
The National Flag of India is a horizontal tricolour of deep saffron (Kesari), white and dark green in equal proportions. The width of the flag is two-thirds of the length. In the middle of the white band is a navy blue, which is the chakra. Its design is that of the wheel, which appears on the abacus of the Sarnath Lion Capital of Ashoka. It has 24 spokes. Its diameter is about the width of the white band.
Material and Manufacturing–
Initially, the Flag Code required the National Flag to be made exclusively of hand-spun and hand-woven ‘khadi’ – a rule that kept a tradition alive and paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of self-reliance.
Shape and Size- The National Flag shall be rectangular. The ratio of the length to the height (width) of the flag shall be 3:2. The size is to be selected for display. The size of the flags are 450 x 300 mm for aircraft on VVIP flights, 225 x 150 mm for motor cars and 150 x 100 mm for table flags.
(B) Part II- Rules for display by members of the Public, Private organisations and educational institutions.
One of the most significant aspects of the Flag Code is what it bestows on any and every citizen of India: the right to hoist the National Flag with pride!
When the citizens May Fly the Flag- Any member of the public, private organisations or educational institutions may hoist or display the National Flag on any day and any occasion, ceremonial or otherwise, provided it is done with dignity and in accordance with the honour of the flag. This is not a privilege for a national holiday. This is a right for all year long.
Day & Night Display Feature
The landmark amendment issued on 19 July 2022 coincided with the government’s Har Ghar Tiranga (Every Home a tricolour) campaign and changed the rules on timing. The amendment clause says that if the flag is flown outside or on the home of a member of the public, it may be flown day and night. This means citizens can now fly the tricolour round the clock at their homes and in open public spaces. The only stipulation is that the flag must be properly illuminated when flown at night.
Proper display rules
The Code sets forth several mandatory rules for public safety-
(a) Position of honour- The flag should be kept in a position of prominence, preferably on a flagpole, and should not be flown lower than other flags – prominently placed and visible.
(b) Condition of the flag.- A damaged or dishevelled flag must never be displayed. The flag must always be in pristine condition.
(c) Orientation. — If displayed horizontally on a wall, the saffron band must be uppermost. When shown vertically the saffron band will be on the left (observer’s view).
(d) No other flag – No other flag, bunting or emblem shall be placed higher than or side by side with the National Flag on the same mast.
(e) Use of Vehicles – Display on vehicles is restricted only to designated dignitaries such as the President, the Vice-President, the Prime Minister, Governors and the Chief Minister.
(f) Commercial use – The flag shall not be used for commercial purposes or advertising.
(g) Handling & Disposal — The flag must never touch the ground or water. If damaged, it should be destroyed, preferably by incineration in private.
(C) Government Display Rules
- Government Buildings and officers
The national flag shall be flown on all days, including Sundays and holidays, on the buildings of Parliament House, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Prime Minister’s office, SC, HC, Secretariats and Commissioner’s offices. On buildings of ordinary state offices, the flag is usually raised on working days.
- Special National Days
Republic Day – January 26th
15th August – Independence Day
Mahatma Gandhi’s Birthday – 2 October
- Residences for Official Dignitaries
The National Flag is displayed on the official residences of the President, Prime Minister, and Chief Justice from sunrise to sunset.
- Vehicles in flight
The President and Vice-President
Governors and Lieutenant Governors
Heads of Indian Missions/Posts abroad
The Prime Minister and Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State and Deputy Ministers
Chief Ministers and State Cabinet Ministers
Speaker of the Lok Sabha; Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha; Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha
Chairmen of Legislative Councils and Speakers of Legislative Assemblies
Chief Justice of India; Judges of the Supreme Court
Chief Justices and Judges of High Courts
- Penalties and Offences
Violations of the Flag Code – and particularly of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 – are serious legal offences. Imprisonment for a term of up to three years, or fine or both, is prescribed for burning, mutilating, defacing, defiling or showing disrespect to the National Flag.
- Major Amendments
2002 – Flag Code consolidated and brought into force (26 January)
2021 – Machine-made flags and polyester allowed.
2022 — Citizens at home and open spaces were allowed to display day and night.
- Conclusion
The National Flag Code is the ultimate guideline for ensuring that the National Flag is treated with utmost respect, dignity and honour by all public and private entities. It makes sure that every display is worthy of what the flag represents. It tells us how to give expression to the hopes and aspirations of the people of India. “It is the emblem of our national pride.”
Author: Priya Bharati
2nd Year BBA.LLB student