FLAG CODE OF INDIA
The Indian National Flag represents the hopes and aspirations of the people of India. It is the symbol of our national pride. Over the last five decades, several people including members of armed forces have ungrudgingly laid down their lives to keep the tricolour flying in its full glory. The significance of the colours and the chakra in the National Flag was amply described by Dr. S. Radhakrishnan in the Constituent Assembly which unanimously adopted the National Flag. Dr. S. Radhakrishnan explained—“Bhagwa or the saffron colour denotes renunciation of disinterestedness. Our leaders must be indifferent to material gains and dedicate themselves to their work. The white in the centre is light, the path of truth to guide our conduct. The green shows our relation to soil, our relation to the plant life here on which all other life depends. The Ashoka Wheel in the center of the white is the wheel of the law of dharma. Truth or satya, dharma or virtue ought to be the controlling principles of those who work under this flag. Again, the wheel denotes motion.
There is death in stagnation. There is life in movement. India should no more resist change, it must move and go forward. The wheel represents the dynamism of a peaceful change.” There is universal affection and respect for, and loyalty to, the National Flag. Yet, a perceptible lack of awareness is often noticed, not only amongst people but also in the organisations/agencies of the government, in regard to laws, practices and conventions that apply to the display of the National Flag. Apart from non-statutory instructions issued by the Government from time to time, display of the National Flag is governed by the provisions of the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950 (No.12 of 1950) and the Prevention of Insults to
National Honour Act, 1971 (No. 69 of 1971). Flag Code of India, 2002 is an attempt to bring together all such laws, conventions, practices and instructions for the guidance and benefit of all concerned. For the sake of convenience, Flag Code of India, 2002, has been divided into three parts. Part I of the Code contains general description of the National Flag. Part II of the Code is devoted to the display of the National Flag by members of public, private organizations, educational institutions, etc. Part III of the Code relates to display of the National Flag by Central and State governments and their organisations and agencies.
Flag Code of India, 2002, takes effect from January 26, 2002 and supersedes the ‘Flag Code – India’ as it existed.
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PART I
GENERAL
1.1 The National Flag shall be a tri-colour panel made up of three rectangular panels or subpanels of equal widths. The colour of the top panel shall be India saffron (Kesari) and that of the bottom panel shall be India green. The middle panel shall be white, bearing at its centre the design of Ashoka Chakra in navy blue colour with 24 equally spaced spokes. The Ashoka Chakra shall preferably be screen printed or otherwise printed or stenciled or suitably embroidered and shall be completely visible on both sides of the Flag in the centre of the white panel. 1.2 The National Flag of India shall be made of hand spun and hand woven wool/cotton/silk
khadi bunting.
1.3 The National Flag shall be rectangular in shape. The ratio of the length to the height (width) of the Flag shall be 3:2.
1.4 The standard sizes of the National Flag shall be as follows:-
1.5 An appropriate size should be chosen for display. The flags of 450X300 mm size are intended for aircrafts on VVIP flights, 225X150 mm size for motor-cars and 150X100 mm size for table flags.
PART II
HOISTING/DISPLAY/USE OF NATIONAL FLAG BY MEMBERS OF PUBLIC, PRIVATE ORGANISATIONS, EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS, ETC.
SECTION I
2.1 There shall be no restriction on the display of the National Flag by members of general public, private organizations, educational institutions, etc., except to the extent provided in the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950* and
Flag Size No. Dimensions in mm
1 6300 X 4200
2 3600 X 2400
3 2700 X 1800
4 1800 X 1200
5 1350 X 900
6 900 X 600
7 450 X 300
8 225 X 150
9 150 X 100
*The Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950.
Section 2: In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires:-
(a) “emblem” means any emblem, seal, flag, insignia, coat-of-arms or pictorial representation specified in the Schedule.
Section 3: Notwithstanding anything contained in any law for the time being in force, no person shall, except in such cases and under such conditions as may be prescribed by the Central Government, use, or continue to use, for the purpose of any trade, business, calling or profession, or in the title of any patent, or in any trade mark of design, any name or emblem specified in the Schedule or any colourable imitation thereof without the previous permission of the Central Government or of such officer of Government as may be authorised in this behalf by the Central Government.
NOTE: The Indian National Flag has been specified as an emblem in the Schedule to the Act. the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971** and any other law enacted on the subject. Keeping in view the provisions of the aforementioned Acts -
(i) the Flag shall not be used for commercial purposes in violation of the Emblem and
Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950;
(ii) the Flag shall not be dipped in salute to any person or thing;
**THE PREVENTION OF INSULTS TO NATIONAL HONOUR ACT, 1971
(Amended by the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Act, 2003)
Whoever in any public place or in any other place within public view burns, mutilates, defaces, defiles, disfigures, destroys, tramples upon or otherwise shows disrespect to or brings into contempt (whether by words, either spoken or written, or by acts) the Indian National Flag………. or any part thereof, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years, or
with fine, or with both.
Explanation 1. – Comments expressing disapprobation or criticism of the ………Indian National Flag or an alteration of the Indian National Flag by lawful means do not constitute an offence under this section.
Explanation 2. – The expression, "Indian National Flag" includes any picture, painting, drawing or photograph, or other visible representation of the Indian National Flag, or of any part or parts thereof, made of any substance or represented on any substance.
Explanation 3. – The expression "Public place" means any place intended for use by, or accessible to, the public and includes any public conveyance.
Explanation 4. – The disrespect to the Indian National Flag means and includes-
(a) a gross affront or indignity offered to the Indian National Flag; or
(b) dipping the Indian National Flag in salute to any person or thing; or
(c) flying the Indian National Flag at half-mast except on occasions on which the Flag is flown at half-mast on public buildings in accordance with the instructions issued by the Government; or
(d) using the Indian National Flag as a drapery in any form whatsoever except in state funerals or armed forces or other para-military forces funerals; or
(e) using the Indian National Flag as a portion of costume or uniform of any description or embroidering or printing it on cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins or any dress material; or
(f) putting any kind of inscription upon the Indian National Flag; or
(g) using the Indian National Flag as a receptacle for receiving, delivering or carrying anything except flower petals before the Indian National Flag is unfurled as part of celebrations on special occasions including the Republic Day or the Independences Day; or
(h) using the Indian National Flag as covering for a statue or a monument or a speaker's desk or a speaker's platform; or
(i) allowing the Indian National Flag to touch the ground or the floor or trail in water intentionally; or
(j) draping the Indian National Flag over the hood, top, and sides or back or on a vehicle, train, boat or an aircraft or any other similar object; or
(k) using the Indian National Flag as a covering for a building; or
(l) intentionally displaying the Indian National Flag with the "saffron" down.
3A. MINIMUM PENALTY ON SECOND OR SUBSEQUENT OFFENCE
Whoever having already been convicted of an offence under section 2………. is again convicted of any such offence shall be punishable for the second and for every subsequent offence, with imprisonment for a term, which shall not be less than one year.
(iii) the Flag shall not be flown at half-mast except on occasions on which the Flag is flown at half-mast on public buildings in accordance with the instructions issued by the Government;
(iv) the Flag shall not be used as a drapery in any form whatsoever, including private funerals;
(v) the Flag shall not be used as a portion of costume or uniform of any description nor shall it be embroidered or printed upon cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins or any dress material;
(vi) lettering of any kind shall not be put upon the Flag;
(vii) the Flag shall not be used as a receptacle for receiving, delivering, holding or carrying anything;
provided that there shall be no objection to keeping flower petals inside the Flag before it is unfurled as part of celebrations on special occasions and on National Days like the Republic Day and the Independence Day;
(viii) when used on occasions like unveiling of a statue, the Flag shall be displayed distinctly and separately and it shall not be used as a covering for the statue or monument;
(ix) the Flag shall not be used to cover a speaker’s desk nor shall it be draped over a speaker’s platform;
(x) the Flag shall not be intentionally allowed to touch the ground or the floor or trail in water;
(xi) the Flag shall not be draped over the hood, top, sides or back of a vehicle, train, boat or an aircraft;
(xii) the Flag shall not be used as a covering for a building; and
(xiii) the Flag shall not be intentionally displayed with the “saffron” down.
2.2 A member of public, a private organization or an educational institution may hoist/display the National Flag on all days and occasions, ceremonial or otherwise. Consistent with the dignity and honour of the National Flag -
(i) whenever the National Flag is displayed, it should occupy the position of honour and should be distinctly placed;
(ii) a damaged or dishevelled Flag should not be displayed;
(iii) the Flag should not be flown from a single masthead simultaneously with any other flag or flags;
(iv) the Flag should not be flown on any vehicle except in accordance with the provisions contained in Section IX of Part III of this Code;
(v) when the Flag is displayed on a speaker’s platform, it should be flown on the speaker’s right as he faces the audience or flat against the wall, above and behind the speaker;
(vi) when the Flag is displayed flat and horizontal on a wall, the saffron band should be upper most and when displayed vertically, the saffron band shall be on the right with reference to the Flag (i.e. left to the person facing the Flag);
(vii) to the extent possible, the Flag should conform to the specifications prescribed in Part I of this Code.
(viii) no other flag or bunting should be placed higher than or above or side by side with the National Flag; nor should any object including flowers or garlands or emblem be placed on or above the Flag-mast from which the Flag is flown;
(ix) the Flag should not be used as a festoon, rosette or bunting or in any other manner for decoration;
(x) the Flag made of paper may be waved by public on occasions of important national, cultural and sports events. However, such paper Flags should not be discarded or thrown on the ground after the event. As far as possible, it should be disposed of in private consistent with the dignity of the Flag;
(xi) where the Flag is displayed in open, it should, as far as possible, be flown from sunrise to sunset, irrespective of weather conditions;
(xii) the Flag should not be displayed or fastened in any manner as may damage it; and
(xiii) when the Flag is in a damaged or soiled condition, it shall be destroyed as a whole in private, preferably by burning or by any other method consistent with the dignity of the Flag.
SECTION II
2.3 The National Flag may be hoisted in educational institutions (schools, colleges, sports camps, scout camps, etc.) to inspire respect for the Flag. A model set of instructions for guidance is given below -
(i) The School will assemble in open square formation with pupils forming the three sides and the Flag-staff at the centre of the fourth side. The Headmaster, the pupil leader and the person unfurling the Flag (if other than the Headmaster) will stand three paces behind the Flag-staff.
(ii) The pupils will fall according to classes and in squads of ten (or other number according to strength). These squads will be arranged one behind the other. The pupil leader of the class will stand to the right of the first row of his class and the form master will stand three paces behind the last row of his class, towards the middle. The classes will be arranged along the square in the order of seniority with the seniormost
class at the right end.
(iii) The distance between each row should be at least one pace (30 inches); and the space between Form and Form should be the same.
(iv) When each Form or Class is ready, the Class leader will step forward and salute the selected school pupil leader. As soon as all the Forms are ready, the school pupil
leader will step up to the Headmaster and salute him. The Headmaster will return the salute. Then, the Flag will be unfurled. The School pupil leader may assist.
(v) The School pupil leader in charge of the parade (or assembly) will call the parade to attention, just before the unfurling, and he will call them to the salute when the Flag flies out. The parade will keep at the salute for a brief interval, and then on the command “order”, the parade will come to the attention position.
(vi) The Flag Salutation will be followed by the National Anthem. The parade will be kept at the attention during this part of the function.
(vii) On all occasions when the pledge is taken, the pledge will follow the National Anthem. When taking the pledge the Assembly will stand to attention and the Headmaster will administer the pledge ceremoniously and the Assembly will repeat it after him.
(viii) In pledging allegiance to the National Flag, the practice to be adopted in Schools is as follows:-
Standing with folded hands, all repeat together the following pledge:
“I pledge allegiance to the National Flag and to the Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic for which it stands.”
PART. III
HOISTING/DISPLAY OF THE NATIONAL FLAG BY THE CENTRAL AND STATE
GOVERNMENTS AND THEIR ORGANISATIONS AND AGENCIES.
SECTION I
DEFENCE INSTALLATIONS/HEADS OF MISSIONS/POSTS
3.1 The provisions of this Part shall not apply to Defence Installations that have their own
rule for display of the National Flag.
3.2 The National Flag may also be flown on the Headquarters and the residences of the Heads of Missions/Posts abroad in the countries where it is customary for diplomatic and consular representatives to fly their National Flags on the Headquarters and their official residences.
SECTION II
OFFICIAL DISPLAY
3.3 Subject to the provisions contained in Section I above, it shall be mandatory for all Governments and their organisations/agencies to follow the provisions contained in this Part.
3.4 On all occasions for official display, only the Flag conforming to specifications laid down by the Bureau of Indian Standards and bearing their standard mark shall be used. On other occasions also, it is desirable that only such Flags of appropriate size are flown.
SECTION III
CORRECT DISPLAY
3.5 Wherever the Flag is flown, it should occupy the position of honour and be distinctly placed.
3.6 Where the practice is to fly the Flag on any public building, it shall be flown on that building on all days including Sundays and holidays and, except as provided in this Code, it shall be flown from sun-rise to sun-set irrespective of weather conditions. The Flag may be flown on such a building at night also but this should be only on very special occasions.
3.7 The Flag shall always be hoisted briskly and lowered slowly and ceremoniously. When the hoisting and the lowering of the Flag is accompanied by appropriate bugle calls, the hoisting and lowering should be simultaneous with the bugle calls.
3.8 When the Flag is displayed from a staff projecting horizontally or at an angle from a windowsill, balcony, or front of a building, the saffron band shall be at the farther end of the staff.
3.9 When the Flag is displayed flat and horizontal on a wall, the saffron band shall be upper most and when displayed vertically, the saffron band shall be to the right with reference to the Flag, i.e., it may be to the left of a person facing it.
3.10 When the Flag is displayed on a speaker’s platform, it shall be flown on a staff on the speaker’s right as he faces the audience or flat against the wall above and behind the speaker.
3.11 When used on occasions like the unveiling of a statue, the Flag shall be displayed distinctly and separately.
3.12 When the Flag is displayed alone on a motor car, it shall be flown from a staff, which should be affixed firmly either on the middle front of the bonnet or to the front right side of the car.
3.13 When the Flag is carried in a procession or a parade, it shall be either on the marching right, i.e. the Flag’s own right, or if there is a line of other flags, in front of the centre of the line.
SECTION IV
INCORRECT DISPLAY
3.14 A damaged or disheveled Flag shall not be displayed.
3.15 The Flag shall not be dipped in salute to any person or thing.
3.16 No other flag or bunting shall be placed higher than or above or, except as hereinafter provided, side by side with the National Flag; nor shall any object including flowers or garlands or emblem be placed on or above the Flag-mast from which the Flag is flown.
3.17 The Flag shall not be used as a festoon, rosette or bunting or in any other manner for decoration.
3.18 The Flag shall not be used to cover a speaker’s desk nor shall it be draped over a speaker’s platform.
3.19 The Flag shall not be displayed with the “saffron” down.
3.20 The Flag shall not be allowed to touch the ground or the floor or trail in water.
3.21 The Flag shall not be displayed or fastened in any manner as may damage it.
SECTION V
MISUSE
3.22 The Flag shall not be used as a drapery in any form whatsoever except in State/Military/Central Para military Forces funerals hereinafter provided.
3.23 The Flag shall not be draped over the hood, top, sides or back of a vehicle, train or boat.
3.24 The Flag shall not be used or stored in such a manner as may damage or soil it.
3.25 When the Flag is in a damaged or soiled condition, it shall not be cast aside or disrespectfully disposed of but shall be destroyed as a whole in private, preferably by burning or by any other method consistent with the dignity of the Flag.
3.26 The Flag shall not be used as a covering for a building.
3.27 The Flag shall not be used as a portion of a costume or uniform of any description. It shall not be embroidered or printed upon cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins or boxes.
3.28 Lettering of any kind shall not be put upon the Flag.
3.29 The Flag shall not be used in any form of advertisement nor shall an advertising sign be fastened to the pole from which the Flag is flown.
3.30 The Flag shall not be used as a receptacle for receiving, delivering, holding or carrying anything.
Provided that there shall be no objection to keeping flower petals inside the Flag before it is unfurled, as part of celebrations on special occasions and on National Days like the Republic Day and the Independence Day.
