Amid the Cockroach Janta Party’s ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ march in the national capital, the rules governing the display and use of the National Flag have come into focus. The Flag Code of India, and the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, lay down guidelines on how the Tricolour must be handled, while prescribing penalties for certain acts of disrespect.
In a social media post, Delhi Police urged citizens to respect the National Flag and follow the prescribed rules for displaying and handling it. The advisory listed 12 guidelines, covering everything from the position of the flag to restrictions on its use as clothing, drapery or a covering.
Here are the key rules highlighted by Delhi Police:
Position of honour: Whenever displayed, the National Flag should occupy a position of honour and be placed distinctly.
Flying at half-mast: The flag should not be flown at half-mast except when permitted under government instructions.
Correct orientation: The Tricolour must never be displayed with the saffron band facing downwards.
No use as drapery: The flag cannot be used as drapery, including at private funerals.
Restrictions on clothing: It cannot be used as part of a costume or uniform, or embroidered or printed on cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, or dress material.
No lettering: No lettering of any kind should be placed on the National Flag.
Not a receptacle: It cannot be used to receive, deliver, hold or carry objects, except for flower petals placed inside before it is unfurled on special occasions and National Days.
No covering of statues or monuments: During statue unveilings, the flag must be displayed separately and cannot be used to cover a statue or monument.
No covering of platforms: The flag cannot be used to cover a speaker’s desk or be draped over a speaker’s platform.
Must not touch the ground: It must not intentionally be allowed to touch the ground or floor, or trail in water.
No draping over vehicles: The flag cannot be draped over the hood, top, sides or back of a vehicle, train, boat or aircraft.
No covering of buildings: The National Flag cannot be used as a covering for a building.
