Flag Code of India – 2002 and Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971| MHA Advisory
IMMEDIATE
File No. 15/1/ 2020-Public
Government of India
Ministry of Home Affairs
(CS Division)
***
North Block, New Delhi — 01.
Dated 23rd July, 2020
To
The Chief Secretaries / Administrators of
All State Governments / UT Administrations,
Secretaries of all Ministries / Departments of Government of India.
Strict compliance of the provisions of Flag Code of India, 2002 and the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 197 1-Advisory.
Sir/ Madam,
I am directed to Say that the Indian 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 people as well as organizations/agencies of the Government, in regard to laws, practices and conventions that apply to display of the National Flag. A copy each of ‘The Prevention of Insults to national Honour Act, 1971’ and Flag Code of India, 2002′ which governs display of National Flag, are enclosed herewith for strict compliance of the provisions contained in the Act and the Flag Code (copy also available on this Ministry’s website www.mha.gov.in). You are requested to undertake Mass awareness programme in this regard and also to give it wide publicity through advertisements in the electronic and print media.
2. Further, it has been brought to notice of this Ministry that on the occasions of Important national, cultural and Sports events, the National Flags made of plastic are also being used in place of National Flags made of paper. Since, plastic flags are not biodegradable like paper flags, 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, You are, therefore, requested to ensure that on the occasions of important national, cultural and sports events, Flags made of paper only are used by the 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. Such Flags are to he disposed of, in private, consistent with the dignity of the Flag. Thus, you are also requested to give wide publicity in the electronic and print media for not using the National Flag made of plastic.
Yours faithfully,
Encl: As above.
(Deepak Kumar)
Under Secretary to the Government of India
Tel: 2309 2421
COMMENTS (1)
Can I make a wreath with flowers resembling tri colour with Asoka Chakra at the centre? I noticed one flower shop merchant in Kerala making such wreaths resembling our National Flag.. Is it an offence under National Honour Act?