Chandigarh
The National Flag represents hopes and aspirations of the people of our country and hence should occupy a position of honour. There is universal affection and respect for, and loyalty to, the National Flag. Yet, a perceptible lack of awareness is often noticed amongst the people as well as organizations/agencies, in regard to laws, practices and conventions that apply to 'display of the National Flag’. For strict compliance of the provisions contained in the 'Flag Code of India. 2002' and 'The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971' the Ministry of Home Affairs has issued an advisory for all State Governments and Union Territories.
The Advisory states that on important national, cultural and sports events, Flags made of paper only are used by public in terms of the provisions of the 'Flag Code of India, 2002' and such paper Flags are not discarded or thrown on the ground after the event. The National Flags are to be disposed of, in private, consistent with the dignity of the Flag. Flags made of plastic are also being used in place of paper. Since, plastic flags are not biodegradable like paper flag, these do not get decomposed for a long time and ensuring appropriate disposal of National Flags made of plastic commensurate with dignity of the flag, is a practical problem.
Further to this, 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. In addition to this, any person who intentionally prevents the singing of the Indian National Anthem or causes disturbances to any assembly engaged in such singing shall also be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.
'The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971' and 'Flag Code of India, 2002' which governs display of National Flag, are available on the website of Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, www.mha.nic.in.
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