NEW DELHI — Ahead of upcoming national celebrations, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued a nationwide advisory asking all state governments and Union Territory administrations to ensure strict adherence to the Flag Code of India, warning against improper display and disrespectful disposal of the National Flag.
In an official communique addressed to Chief Secretaries across the country, the Home Ministry highlighted that a noticeable lack of awareness persists among the general public, private organisations, and even official government agencies regarding the laws, protocols, and conventions governing the display of the Tricolour.
"The Indian National Flag represents the hopes and aspirations of the people of our country and hence should occupy a position of honour," the ministry stated in its communication, urging state authorities to launch mass awareness drives through print and electronic media to educate citizens on proper flag etiquette.
Guidelines on Paper Flags and Disposal
While acknowledging that small paper flags are frequently distributed and waved by the public during major national, cultural, and sporting events, the MHA stressed that such flags must not be discarded on the ground or tossed into trash bins after an event concludes. Instead, in keeping with the dignity of the National Flag, paper flags must be disposed of privately in a manner consistent with the honour of the Tricolour, such as by burning or burying them in private with full respect.
Rules Governing Flag Material and Display
The advisory reiterated key provisions of the Flag Code of India, 2002, specifying that:
Permitted Materials: Flags may be hand-spun, hand-woven, or machine-made, using cotton, polyester, wool, silk, or khadi bunting.
Display Timings: Following the July 19, 2022 amendment to the Flag Code, members of the public are permitted to hoist or display the National Flag at their residences day and night, provided it is kept in open view and treated with dignity.
Condition of the Flag: Damaged, torn, or dishevelled flags must never be hoisted or displayed.
Positioning: The National Flag must always occupy a prominent position of honour. No other flag or decorative bunting should be placed higher than, above, or adjacent to the National Flag on the same masthead.
Vehicle Mounting Restrictions: Mounting the flag on motor vehicles is strictly restricted to designated constitutional dignitaries outlined in Section IX of Part III of the Flag Code—including the President, Vice-President, Prime Minister, State Governors, and Chief Justices.
The Home Ministry has asked state administrations to give wide publicity to these directives to safeguard the sanctity and honour of the National Flag across the country.
