Flag Code of India: Rules for Displaying National Flag

India is looking forward to its 75th Independence Day celebration on August 15, 2022. Hoisting the national flag is an important process for observing Independence Day. Our Flag is a symbol of national pride and is one of the dignified national symbols.  The Flag code of India was introduced to bring together all laws, conventions, practices and instructions for the display of the national flag. It also monitors the flag put on view in private, public and government institutions. The Flag code of India came into effect on January 26, 2002, and went through some amendments on December 30, 2021.

The National flag occupies a position of honour. Therefore, it needs to be distinctly placed. The use of a damaged and dishevelled national flag is strictly prohibited.  It should not be displayed in an inverted position, explaining the saffron band should not be at the bottom. 

When the national flag is placed, no other flag can be set at any position (higher, above or side by side) of the National Flag.  Any objects such as flowers, garlands, and emblems should be avoided on or above the flag mast from the place where the National flag is flown. 

The tricolour cannot be used as a festoon, rosette, bunting or any other manner of decoration. The flag should not touch the ground in any case or on the floor or trail in the water. The simultaneous display of the national flag with a single masthead along with any other flag is restricted.

The speaker's desk cannot be draped with a national flag. 

Costumes or uniforms or accessories made up of the national flag cannot be worn below the waist of any individual. It also limits the use of embroidered or printed cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, undergarments or any dress material made from the national flag.

The flag can be flown throughout the day from sunrise to sunset, irrespective of the weather conditions. 

WHO CAN DISPLAY THE NATIONAL FLAG ON THEIR CAR?

The privilege of flying the national flag on motor cars is limited to certain positions followed by:

– President – Vice-President – Governors and Lieutenant Governor – Heads of Indian Missions Post – Prime Minister – Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State, and Deputy Ministers of the Union – Chief Minister and Cabinet Minister of a State or Union Territory – Speaker of the LokSabha, – Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha, – Deputy Speaker of LokSabha, – Chairman of Legislative Councils in States, – Speakers of the Legislative Assemblies in States and – Union Territories, – Deputy Chairman of the Legislative Council in the States, – Deputy Speakers of Legislative Assemblies in States and Union Territorie – Chief Justice of India – Judges of the Supreme Court – Chief Justice of High Court – Judges of High Court