Protocols for Displaying the Indian National Flag

Protocols for Displaying the Indian National Flag

The Flag Code India (2002), Prevention of Improper Use of Emblems and Names Act (1950), and the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act (1971) govern the display, representation and handling of the Indian National Flag. The Do’s and Don’ts of handling the Indian National Flag are as follows:

1. The national flag should be displayed upright with the Saffron strip facing the top in horizontal representations and left in the vertical representations. The flag should never be displayed upside down. 

2. The Flag should be displayed on the right as this is the position of authority when indoor.

3. When carried in a procession the National Flag should be borne by marching right or otherwise by a lone marcher in the center. 

4. The flag cannot be used as drapery or clothing.

5. The flag should be hoisted down prior to sunset and erected again after sunrise. 

6. The flag pole for National Flag should be placed at the highest point of the building. 

7. Private institutions may display the national flag on all days and occasions, ceremonial or otherwise, consistent with the dignity and honor of the National Flag.

8. Post amendment of the Flag Code in 2002, Individual citizens may also hoist/display the Indian National Flag in their premises

9. The flag may be flown half-mast as a sign of mourning the decision of which lies with the President of India. 

10. The National Flag of India must be displayed on Republic Day (January 26), Independence Day (August 15), Gandhi Jayanti (October 2), State formation Anniversaries and National Week. 

11. On the occasion of armed forces personnel funerals the National flag should be draped over the coffin, with the saffron towards the head. However, the National Flag should never be lowered into the grave or burnt in the pyre.

12. Soiled National Flag may be disposed as a whole in private preserving the dignity of the same and should not be done disrespectfully.

Significance of the National Flag

The National Flag of India represents the concept of secularism that the country was built upon. The austerity of the rectangular tricolor underlines the rich spiritual and philosophical history of India. The basis of the flag is the Swaraj Flag, adopted by the Indian National Congress during the Indian Freedom Struggle movement under Gandhi and is reminiscent of the same.