The Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, has issued an “immediate” directive to all States, Union Territories, and Central Ministries, calling for strict compliance with the Flag Code of India, 2002 and the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.
The Ministry emphasised that the Indian National Flag represents the hopes and aspirations of the people and must always be treated with dignity and respect. It noted that a lack of awareness regarding proper display and handling of the National Flag is still prevalent among the public and institutions.
The Ministry directed authorities to ensure that paper flags used during national, cultural, and sports events are not discarded improperly. Such flags should be disposed of in private and in a manner consistent with the dignity of the National Flag.
The Flag Code of India, 2002 emphasises that the Indian National Flag is a symbol of national pride and must always be treated with dignity and respect, in accordance with the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.
It permits citizens, private organisations, and educational institutions to hoist the National Flag on all days and occasions, provided it is displayed in a respectful manner, and allows the flag to be flown both during the day and at night.
The flag may be made of hand-spun, hand-woven, or machine-made materials such as cotton, polyester, wool, silk, or khadi, and must be rectangular in shape with a prescribed ratio of 3:2.
It further mandates that the flag should always occupy a position of honour, must not be damaged or dishevelled, and should not be displayed alongside or below any other flag on the same mast.
The code also specifies that the National Flag shall not be flown on vehicles except those of designated dignitaries such as the President, Vice-President, Prime Minister, and Governors.

(Mainodi, IA)