DK FLAG FOUNDATION FLAG FOUNDATION. Spread The Spark... INDIAN FLAG

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1 DK Spread The Spark... INDIAN FLAG

2 National Flag The Pride Of India... It is a symbol of our Solidarity and Freedom. The National Flag represents the Struggle and Victory that we are ever so proud of. So let us gather together and express that solidarity. Let us fly our National Flag today and everyday.

3 FOREWORD The flag was not at all about people, as it was for power. In fact, the flag has never been for the common man in the past, as it always belonged to the ruler. But mere boundaries cannot define a nation. It is when people believe in the idea of their shared existence, the values they hold dear, and the sacrifices they may be required to make to uphold those ideals, it is then that a flag becomes an emotional anchor. According to the Flag Code of India, the flag could be flown only on ceremonial occasions, not on all days. If democracy is of the people, by the people and for the people then why didn't the flag belong to the people of India who had struggled and made supreme sacrifices for independence? For the first time, in our 5,000-year-old history, the flag now finally belongs to the people of this country. On 23rd January 2004, the Honorable Supreme Court of India ruled that flying of the National Flag is the Fundamental Right of an Indian citizen within Article 19(1) (a) of the Constitution of India that grants freedom of speech and expression. It is important to display our National Flag not only at important public buildings but also at our homes to showcase our national pride and unity. As an Indian, each one of us is proud of our flag. The true spirit of our flag should reflect in living by its ideals, of doing our duty honestly and fulfilling our responsibility with a sense of dedication to the country. In my drive to promote the Tiranga, I interact with different kinds of people. Six decades after independence, the colours of our Tiranga have acquired a larger aura. Saffron stands for sacrifice, White stands for purity, and Green stands for growth. The Ashok Chakra is the wheel that denotes movement. We are now free to respectfully fly the National Flag at our homes, workplaces and other public areas, on all 365 days of the year, between sunrise and sunset. This was made possible by Shri Naveen Jindal (Chairman,Jindal Steel and Power Ltd.) Who fought a long legal battle on behalf of the common man of our country for the pride to fly the tricolor. When we hoist our National Flag, we rise above religious, regional and political affiliations and show our love for the nation. It is a constant reminder of the supreme sacrifices made by the sons of our soil for the glory of Mother India. The Tiranga has no religion of its own, it relates to no particular state or community, but belongs to all. It is secular in the true sense. In a sincere endeavour to uphold the honour of our National Flag and inspire the citizens, DK Flag Foundation is making an attempt to rekindle that spirit of nationalism by upholding the dignity of our Tiranga.

4 INDEX Page š WORD FROM THE FOUNDER OF DK 01 š HISTORY OF THE FLAG 02 š YOUNG CRUSADER LIBERATES THE NATIONAL FLAG 03 š VARIOUS JUDGEMENTS - NATIONAL FLAG 05 š THE FLAG-CODE INDIA 2002 (AMENDED) 06 š SIGNIFICANCE OF COLOURS IN THE NATIONAL FLAG 07 š SPECIFICATIONS OF THE NATIONAL FLAG 07 š MANUFACTURE OF NATIONAL FLAGS 08 š CORRECT WAY TO FOLD THE NATIONAL FLAG 11 š ILLUSTRATED FLAG CODE 12 š FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ S) 16 š DO'S AND DON'TS OF FLYING THE TRICOLOR 20 š PUNISHMENTS RELATED TO NATIONAL FLAG OFFENCES 21 Contents Source Courtesy : Flag Foundation Of India Know Your Flag

5 Word From The Founder Of DK Flag Foundation The National Flag is witnessed only on the occasions of Independence Day and Republic Day, It has always been out of reach for the common man. But, Mumbai - based businessman Mr. Rakesh Bakshi turned his patriotic dream into reality by bringing the National Flag to the masses. Pioneering a oneof-a-kind initiative in India through DK Flag Foundation, Mr. Bakshi has plans to hoist the flag at different places in and around Mumbai. He dreams of seeing myriad flags dotting the horizon of Mumbai and its surrounding areas. He wants the National Flag to be accessible to Mr. Rakesh Bakshi, The Flagman Of India the common man and they should be able to touch it, feel it and experience the pride. The height of the flag masts and the size of the flags will keep increasing with each installation, so that the flags are visible from far off locations. The idea of installing flags came to Bakshi during one of his business trips to Istanbul, Turkey, three years ago. He was awestruck with flags unfurling everywhere in the city. Back in India, the tricolour instantly evoked a sense of patriotism and he decided to replicate the same in his city. His father was in the armed forces and wherever he lived, he would see the National Flag swaying high. The National Flag is evidently a matter of great pride for him. Through this initiative, Mr. Bakshi simply wants to evoke a sense of National Pride every time you see the tricolour unfurling near you... Our Mission & Vision At the DK Flag Foundation, we have taken up the cause of celebrating the freedom of our existence every day. Saluting millions of martyrs who have given us this exim gift of freedom. We are here to create awareness of the National Flag and clear misconceptions, that the common citizens / civilians are not permitted to own or display flag in their homes, offices and premises. For today s generation nationalism and patriotism is a mere slogan. We are slowly forgetting the importance of the nation in our lives & we tend to take patriotism and sacrifice as the duty of Armed Forces only. DK Flag Foundation is an initiative to trigger our senses of Nationalism. To take the message of our Tiranga to every Indian, we intend to make use of all available and appropriate mediums, such as art and culture (printing and photography exhibitions, cultural programs and festivals, performing arts etc.), to schools and colleges in collaboration with civil society, professionals, corporate houses, educationists, and other like minded individuals / institutions with a special focus on children the youth of India. 01

6 History Of The Flag The architect of the first flag of the Indian National Congress was Pingali Venkayya of Andhra Pradesh. In 1906, he attended the National Congress meeting at Calcutta but felt humiliated to stand under the Union Jack hoisted there. It is here that he was inspired to design a national flag for India. In April 1921, Gandhiji asked him to design a flag with a charkha in the centre. The idea to include the charkha was to represent the common man in the flag, however, it came from Raizada Hans Raj of Jalandhar (Punjab) and Gandhiji accepted it gladly. This is how the first flag of the Indian National Congress (INC) came into being. It has the white band on the top, green in the centre and a red band at the bottom with charkha in the centre. The white colour stood for minorities, green represented the Muslims, and red, the Hindus. This communal connotation later gave rise to discontentment among certain section of the people. In April 1931, the Congress leadership met to appoint a Flag Committee in order to dispel the religious sentiments attached to the flag. A different interpretation was given to the colours of the new flag. The saffron colour stood for courage and sacrifice, white for peace and prosperity and green for faith and fertility. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru suggested that white should be in the middle. The design was unanimously accepted by all and the first official flag of the Indian National Congress came into being. The flag had saffron on the top, white in the middle with the charkha on it and green at the bottom. In other words, the 1921 flag of Pingali Venkayya was accepted with minor modifications. The National Flag was born on 22 July, 1947, in the Constituent Assembly when the Adhoc Committee adopted the Tiranga as the National Flag of independent India as designed by Mrs. Badruddin Tyabji, wife of B.H.F. Tyabji an ICS officer of the 1934 batch and a Deputy Secretary in the Constituent Assembly. Consequent upon the historic announcement of the declaration of independence on 15th August 1947, an Adhoc Flag Committee was constituted under the Chairman of the Constituent Assembly Dr. Rajendra Prasad, and it finally approved the sample prepared by Mrs. Badruddin Tyabji. On 14th August, 1947, at 10.45pm, the Central Hall of the Council House (known as the Parliament House) moved and approved the resolution amidst thunderous cheers, acclamation and blowing of conch-shells. Subsequently on 15th August, 1947, the first public flag salutation ceremony was held at the War Memorial in Princess Park, near India Gate. 02

7 Young Crusader Liberates The National Flag India adopted its National flag on 22 July, The codes related to the flag were, however, drawn between , wherein there were restrictions on its free display by the common citizens. According to the Flag Code of India, 1951, the National Flag would fly only atop government buildings and official residences of certain government dignitaries. The countrymen could fly the Tricolour only on Independence Day, Republic Day, Gandhi Jayanti and some other days in a year. Surprisingly, no one ever raised a voice against this discrimination against the common man. Someone had to take up the issue on behalf of the common man of the country to fly the National Flag on all days with due respect. In a country where millions had sacrificed their lives for the flag during the freedom struggle, no one protested against this discrimination, until 1993, when a 23-year-old young, spirited and dynamic industrialist stood tall for the basic right of Indians to freely fly the National Flag. He questioned the restrictions imposed on the free display of National Flag. Naveen Jindal - Chairman Jindal Steel and Power Ltd. Naveen Jindal, son of Shri O.P. Jindal and a scion of the Jindal Group of Industries, returned home in 1992 after securing a Master's degree in Business Administration from the University of Texas, Dallas in the United States. On 26 January, 1993, Naveen hoisted the National Flag in the premises of his Raigarh factory to celebrate the Republic Day. After the Republic Day celebrations the factory management removed the flag at sunset as was the practice. When the next day, Naveen did not see the flag hoisted on the pole, he asked the concerned officer the reason for not flying it. He was told that government rules did not allow the flag to fly on private buildings and factories other than on certain days of the year. Mr Jindal, however, instructed his office management to hoist the flag daily at the factory at sunrise and lower it at sunset with due respect. The flag flew daily in the factory premises till September 1994, when the then Commissioner of Bilaspur, Mr S.P. Dubey, objected to it. He ordered the superintendent of police to have it removed from the pole. It is interesting to know that a similar incident had occurred at Bhagalpur, in Bihar, in February At an industrial exhibition held there, one of the stalls had hoisted the Tricolour. The then Divisional Commissioner, Mr B.C. Sen, objected to it. The non-cooperators, however, took a firm stand and refused to pull it down. To avoid an untoward situation, it was agreed to fly the Union Jack and the Tricolour side by side. This stand did not find favour with the Government of Bihar and Mr. Sen was severely reprimanded by the Governor of Bihar for coming to terms with the Congressmen. Point to note that even after independence divisional commissioners were behaving in the same way in 1994, as they did during pre-independence days in When Naveen learnt about the removal of the flag by the government authorities he was shocked and greatly upset. He decided to fight for his right to fly the National Flag and prepared himself for a legal battle. He approached Mr Shanti Bhushan, an eminent lawyer with a penchant for public interest issues. 03

8 Naveen was told that there were two specific laws on the subject. The first was the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act (1971), which states that the National Flag should not be "burnt, mutilated, defaced, defiled, disfigured, destroyed or trampled upon within public view". Offenders could be jailed up to three years or fined. However, the law did not prevent anyone from flying the flag in a respectful manner. The second law related to the use of National Flag in the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act (1950). This Act states that "The National flag or The National Emblem could not be used for commercial purposes, nor could it be used as packaging". Armed with this knowledge, Naveen filed a writ petition in the Delhi High Court on 2 February, 1995, requesting that all Indians and institutions be allowed to fly the flag in a respectful manner, since the executive instructions contained in the Flag Code had no legal sanctity. On 22 September, 1995, a division bench comprising Justice D.P. Wadhwa and Justice Dr M.K. Sharma of the Hon'ble Delhi High Court allowed Naveen to fly the National Flag on all days of the year with dignity and respect. In a landmark judgement, the High Court held that the government could not deprive citizens of their fundamental rights through an executive order. The court also held that the right to fly the National Flag was part of the Fundamental Right of Freedom of Speech and Expression, and that the right could only be restricted by the Parliament as per Article 19(2) of the Indian Constitution. The historic judgement was hailed all over the country, and Naveen, along with millions of Indians started displaying the flag with honour everyday. However, the Government of the Day was not happy with the judgement that allowed citizens the right to display the flag everyday of the year. Hence, in January 1996, the Government of India appealed against the Delhi High Court's judgement. In its special leave petition filed with the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India, the government advocated that the policy to restrict the use of the National Flag to the barest minimum was intended to ensure that the flag was not dishonoured. The Supreme Court, on 7 February, 1996, while admitting the special leave petition, granted a stay order against the Delhi High Court judgement. The matter came up for hearing before the Supreme Court bench consisting of Justice V.N. Khare and Justice S.N. Variava. During the course of hearing, the Hon'ble judges observed that prima facie they saw no reason why the citizens of the country could not express their patriotism by displaying the National Flag, and that the restriction on flying of the National Flag only on certain days by private citizens seemed unsustainable. In view of the Supreme Court's observations, the Government constituted an inter-ministerial committee on 18 October, 2000, headed by Dr P.D. Shenoy, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, to consider the issue whether the people of the country should be allowed to freely fly the National Flag. Naveen met the members of the committee and presented his view point. The members were convinced and impressed with the logical justifications of his stand. The Shenoy Committee submitted its report to the Ministry of Home Affairs, recommending free use of the flag by Indian citizens in a respectful manner on all days of the year. The Union Cabinet accepted the rezcommendations of the Committee to amend the Flag Code. A decision was taken on 15 January, 2002, to allow citizens to respectfully fly the Tiranga throughout the year with effect from 26 January, 2002 however, Naveen was guided by his lawyer and friend Gauri Rasgotra not to be content with the government's decision to merely issue an executive instruction allowing citizens to display the National Flag. Hence, it was decided to pursue the matter in the Supreme Court. 04

9 Various Judgements - National Flag 1. A decision was taken on 15th January, 2002, to allow citizens to respectfully fly the Tiranga throughout the year with effect from 26th January, On 23rd January, 2004, in a historic judgement, the Supreme Court bench comprising Hon'ble Chief Justice of India, Justice Y.N. Khare, Justice S.B. Sinha and Justice Brijesh Kumar held that the right to fly the National Flag freely with respect and dignity is a Fundamental Right of a citizen under Article 19 (1) (a) of the Constitution of India. 3. On 5th July, 2005, both the Houses of Parliament unanimously decided to amend the Act suitably. Accordingly, people can now display the Tiranga on their costumes or dresses etc above their waistline in the form of a lapel pin, wristband, cufflinks and also on helmets, suncaps, T-shirts etc. However, the flag cannot be used on any undergarment or as an accessory on any dress or costume worn below the waist. 4. As per the Flag Code of India, normally the flag is to fly only between sunrise and sunset. Hoisting and lowering the flag daily on high poles is a cumbersome process. Mr. Naveen Jindal took up the matter with the Home Ministry to amend the restrictive clause. The Home Ministry, agreeing to his proposal, has allowed flags to fly day and night on monumental flagpoles of 100 ft and above when properly illuminated. 5. Chattisgarh High Court on 9th August, 2010, in a landmark judgement ruled that if the National Flag remains flown after sunset, it cannot be construed to cause an insult or disrespect. But, members of public are to observe decorum in respect of the National Flag. Monumental Flag This concept of hoisting the National Flag at a great height is known as 'Monumental Flag, which is never lowered even at the sunset as they are to be adequately illuminated. This comes after a policy decision by Ministry of Home Affairs on 23rd December 2009, which allowed the National Flag to fly day and night on a pole of height of 100 ft. and above with proper illumination. The raising and lowering of flag is done by high speed motorized winch. The monumental flag is made from a weather proof knitted polyester fabric called 'Denier Polyester' and the Chakra of the flag has been painted by using specialized printing process. 100 Feet Flag Mast Hutatma Chowk Ambarnath 05

10 The Flag-Code India 2002 (Amended) One of the fundamental duties of every citizen is to respect the National Flag and accord due respect to this symbol of the nation. One should know the codes, courtesies and ceremonies related to the National Flag. With a view to familiarize and to guide the general public, certain relevant instructions of the code are enumerated as follows: Correct Display Of The National Flag The Flag Code of India, 2002 came into existence on 26th January, As per the Flag Code of India, 2002, there is no restriction on the display of the National Flag by members of the general public, private oraganizations, educational institutions, etc. Certain clauses of the code have since been ameded, in 2005 and The National Flag should occupy a position of honour & be distinctly placed wherever it is flown. 2. If the National Flag is flown in open on any public/private building, then it shall continue to do so on all days, including Sundays and holidays. It shall be flown from sunrise to sunset irrespective of weather conditions. The flag may be flown on such a building at night, but only on special occasions, as may be specified by the government. However, the Home Ministry in December, 2009, has relaxed this restriction for monumental flagpoles of 100 ft or above in height whereon the flag can be flown day and night, on all days, with proper illumination. 3. The National Flag shall always be hoisted briskly and lowered slowly and ceremoniously. If hoisting and lowering of the flag is accompanied by appropriate budge calls, then it should be done simultaneously. 4. When the National Flag is displayed from a staff projecting horizontally or at an angle from a windowsill, balcony, or front of a building, the saffron band shall be at the farther end of the staff. 5. When the National Flag is displayed horizontally on a wall, the saffron band shall be uppermost and when displayed vertically, it should be to the left of the person facing it. 6. When displayed over the middle of a street, running east-west or north-south, the National Flag shall be suspended vertically with the saffron to the north, or to the west as the case may be. 7. When the National Flag is displayed on a speaker's platform, it shall be flown on a staff on the speaker's right as he faces the audience or flat against the wall above and behind the speaker. 8. On occasions like the unveiling of a statue, the National Flag shall be displayed distinctly andseparately. (Note : The National Flag shall not be used as a covering for any statue or monument) 9. When the National Flag is displayed alone on a VVIP's motor car, it shall be flown from a staff which should be affixed firmly to the car in the middle front of the bonnet. General public, however, can display the National Flag only inside their cars on dashboard or wind screen and not outside. 10. While carrying the National Flag in a procession or a parade, it shall be either on the marching right or if there is a line of other flags, then in front of the centre of the line of other flags. 11. Since 2005, the government has allowed display of National Flag on costumes, dresses, etc. but only above waistline in the form of a lapel pin, wristband, cufflinks and also on helmets, suncaps, T-shirts etc. Earlier, the flag could not form part or portion of any costume or dress. 06

11 Significance Of Colours In The National Flag While adopting the Tiranga as the National Flag of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru asserted that the colours in the flag have no communal import. There are three principal colours in the Indian Flag - Saffron, White and Green - and A Secondary Colour, Blue of the Charkha. Each colour has a significance. Saffron stands for sacrifice: let us make it about selfless service to our society with honesty. White stands for purity: let us make it about corruption-free probity in public life. Green stands for growth: let us make it about sustainable development. The Ashok Chakra is the wheel that denotes movement, a way forward to peace, progress and prosperity. Specifications Of The National Flag In 1951, on a request from the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Army Headquarters, after India adopted the Tiranga as the National Flag of the new Republic, the Indian Standards Institution (ISI, now Bureau of Indian Standards) laid down specifications of the flag. These were revised in 1964 to change the dimensions of the flag to the metric system. On 17 August, 1968, the specifications were revised for the second time. These cover all the essential requirements to manufacture the National Flag. The Government of India expressed a desire that the cloth to be used to stitch the flag should be hand-woven khadi in order to promote the cottage industry. So it was decided that the cloth, be it cotton, woollen or silk, would be hand-woven and the yarn used to make the cloth, too, would be handspun. Interestingly, even the sewing thread of three colours for stitching the flag would be of khadi. Thereafter, all flags were to be made of khadi alone. The Indian Standard describes the design and details of the National Flag of India as: The flag should be rectangular in shape and ratio of the length to the width shall be 3:2. The flag shall be in Tricolour panel made up of three rectangular panels or sub-panels of equal widths. The colours of the top panels shall be India-saffron (kesari), and that of the bottom panel shall be India-green, the middle panel shall be white bearing at its centre the design of Ashoka Chakra in navy blue colour, approximately the size of the white band. The Ashoka Chakra shall have 24 spokes equally spaced and shall preferably be screen printed or otherwise printed or stenciled or suitably embroidered with navy blue colour. 07

12 Manufacture Of National Flags Today, there are nine standard sizes of the National Flag. The current nine sizes are, however, meant for use by government offices and agencies only. The size of the flag for use by general public may vary depending upon the size of the pole, but the ratio of the length and breadth in all cases has to be 3:2. The fabric to manufacture flags for use by general public may not necessarily be of khadi as per the amended Flag Code-2002, though it is mandatory for government offices and agencies to do so. Although, an embargo is imposed on the manufacture of the Indian National Flag by private agencies, it is important to maintain the honor and dignity of the flag. Therefore, all flags must conform to the specifications laid by the ISI. The following details must be marked on the sleeve of all flags before they are marketed: A. Size No. D. Year of manufacture B. Length and width in millimeters E. Any other information required by the buyer. C. Manufacturer's name or trademark. F. ISI certification mark Standard Sizes of the National Flag As per the Flag Code of India, 2002, following are the standard sizes of the National Flag. However, maintaining the ratio of 3:2 flags of larger dimensions can also be manufactured. 08

13 Incorrect Display Of The National Flag 1. A damaged or dishevelled National Flag must not be displayed. 2. The flag must not be dipped to salute any person or thing. 3. No other flag or bunting shall be placed higher than, above or side by side with the National Flag; nor shall any object, including flowers or garlands or emblem be placed on or above the flag mast from which the National Flag is flown. 4. The flag should not be flown at half-mast except on occasions and in accordance with the instructions issued by the government. 5. No inscriptions or lettering of any kind should be put upon the flag. 6. The flag shall not be used as a receptacle for receiving, delivery, holding or carrying anything, provided that there shall be no objection to keeping flower petals inside the flag before it is unfurled as part of a celebration. 7. The flag should not be used as a covering for a building. 8. The National Flag must not be used as a festoon, rosette or bunting or in any other manner for decoration; nor shall other coloured pieces of cloth be so arranged as to give the appearance of the National Flag. 9. The National Flag must not be used to cover a speaker's desk nor should it be draped over a speaker's platform. 10. The National Flag must not be intentionally displayed with the saffron down. 11. The National Flag must not be intentionally allowed to touch the ground or the floor or trail in the water. 12. The National Flag must not be displayed or fastened in any manner that may damage it. Misuse Of The National Flag 1. The flag must not be used for any commercial purposes in violation of the Emblems & Names Act, The National Flag must not be used as a drapery in any form whatsoever except in state/military funerals. 3. The National Flag must not be used or stored in such a manner that may damage or soil it. 4. The flag shall not be draped over the hood, top, sides or back of a vehicle, train, boat or an aircraft. 5. The flag should not be flown from a single masthead simultaneously with any other flag or flags. Who Can Fly The National Flag On Their Motor Cars The privilege of flying the National Flag on motor cars is limited to: 1. President 2. Vice President 3. Governors and Lieutenant Governors 4. Heads of Indian Missions/Posts abroad in countries to which they are accredited 5. Prime Minister and other Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State and Deputy Ministers of the Union, Chief Minister and other Cabinet Ministers of the State or Union Territory, Ministers of State and other Ministers of a State or Union Territory 09

14 6. Speaker of Lok Sabha, Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha, Chairman of Legislative Councils in States, Speakers of Legislative Assemblies in States and Union Territories, Deputy Chairman of Legislative Councils in States, Deputy Speakers of Legislative Assemblies in States and Union Territories 7. Chief Justice of India, Judges of Supreme Court, Chief Justice of High Court, Judges of High Courts. Note: When a foreign dignitary travels in a car provided by the government, our National Flag will be flown on the right side of the car and the flag of the foreign country will be flown on the left side of the car. Salute To National Flag During hoisting or lowering of the flag or when the flag is passing in a parade or in a review, all persons present should face the flag and stand in attention. Those present in uniform should render the appropriate salute. When the flag is in moving column, persons present will stand in attention or salute as the flag passes them. A dignitary may take the salute without a head dress. Half-masting Of National Flag In case of death of the following dignitaries, the National Flag shall be half-mast on the day of death and on days of state mourning. However, in the event that the half-mast day coincides with the Republic Day, Independence Day, Mahatma Gandhi's birthday, or any other day of national rejoicing as may be specified by the centre or state government, the flag shall not be flown halfmast except over the building where the body of the deceased is lying. The flag shall be raised to full mast after the body is removed. Note: General public may at its discretion half-mast the flag. It is, however, not mandatory. The National Flag should not be flown at half-mast except on certain occasions and in accordance with the instructions issued by the government Note : By half-mast is meant keeping the flag down to one half the distances between the top and the guy line (rope) and in the absence of the guy line, half of the staff. The flag shall firt be hoisted to the peak for an instant, then lowered to the half-mast position, but before lowering the flag for the day, it shall be raised again to the peak. 10

15 Correct Way To Fold The National Flag The National Flag should be folded as shown in the pictures above and stored properly. It should not be kept in a way that may soil, damage or dishevel it. Step - 1 Place the flag horizontally. Step - 2 Fold the saffron and green bands under the middle white band. Step - 1 Step - 2 Step - 3 Fold the white band in such a way that only the Ashoka Chakra is seen with parts of the saffron and green bands. Step - 4 Carry the folded flag on palms or arms to store it. Step - 3 Step - 4 Disposal Of The National Flag Old And Damaged Flags In a damaged or soiled condition, the National Flag may not be cast aside or disposed off disrespectfully, but should be destroyed in whole, in private, preferably by burning or by any other method consistent with the dignity of the flag. The other possible way to destroy the National Flag can be to bury it deep with due respect or to ritually immerse it into the Ganga after duly folding it. Paper Or Plastic Welcome-flags The flags made of paper or plastic may be waived by the public to greet or welcome distinguished guests on occasions of important national, cultural, sporting events, etc. However, such flags should not be discarded or thrown as litter on the ground after the event. These flags should be befittingly collected and disposed off with dignity. However, it is not desirable to use anaesthetically-made flags of paper or plastic as they are often inadvertently disrespected and unmindfully discarded. 11

16 Chapter 9 Illustrated Flag Code Of India When the National Flag is displayed horizontally on a wall, the saffron band shall be uppermost and when displayed vertically, the band shall be to its right. The saffron should be on the left of the person facing it Horizontal Display Vertical Display H O I S T E D L O W E R E D The National Flag shall always be ceremoniously hoisted briskly and lowered s l o w l y. T h e c e r e m o n y s h o u l d b e simultaneously carried out preferably with appropriate bugle calls The National Flag may be suspended in the middle of a street as shown 12

17 When the National Flag is displayed from a staff projecting horizontally or at an angle from a windowsill, balcony or the front of a building, the saffron band shall be at the farther end of the staff Our National Flag rightly displayed with anotner country s flag against a wall Any public building where there is a practice of flying the National Flag should continue doing so on all days, including, Sundays and holidays. It shall be flown from sunrise to sunset irrespective of weather conditions Flags should be displayed in alphabetical order, starting with the Indian flag Flags of different countries are to be flown on equal size flagpoles 13

18 Correct Display Incorrect Display The National Flag should always be displayed to the left of the viewer National Flag can be displayed inside the car on dashboard & wind screen but not outside When the National Flag is displayed on a VVIP s motor car, it shall be flown from a staff affixed firmly to the car in the middle front or to the right of the bonnet of the car 14

19 Incorrect display Nothing should be displayed above the National Flag Correct display The BCCI logo is shown below the National Flag, Incorrect Display of any kind of Inscriptions should not be done on the National Flag The National Flag displayed at the reception counter of an office When the National Flag is displayed on a speaker s platform, it shall be flown on a movable staff to the speaker s right or it should be displayed on the wall or backdrop above and behind the speaker s platform Since 2005, the government has allowed display of the National Flag above waistline on costumes, dresses, etc. and can be sported by citizens as a wrist band or lapel pin. 15

20 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ s) Q 1. Between what time to what time is the National Flag normally flown during day time? Ans. The Flag is normally flown between sunrise and sunset. Q 2. Can the National Flag be flown during night? If yes, what are the restrictions? Ans. The Flag can be flown during night hours, provided, it is on a 100 ft or above flagpole and is adequately illuminated. Q 3. Can you write a patriotic slogan or a message on the face of our National Flag? Ans. No, lettering of any kind is not to be put upon the Flag. Q 4. Can you print, stitch, embroider Tiranga as a part of your dress or costume? If yes, is there any restriction? Ans. Yes, you can do so, but not below the waistline. Q 5. Can you embroider or print the image of Tiranga on cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins or undergarments, etc? Ans. No, it is not allowed not is it desirable. Q 6. How is an old, unclean, mutilated or torn National Flag disposed off? Ans. It is destroyed in whole in private preferably by burning or by any other method consistent with the dignity of the Flag such as burying it deep with respect or by immersing it into the Ganga duly folded. Q 7. While using the Tiranga on a dead body, how is the Flag placed on the body horizontally or vertically? Ans. It is placed horizontally on the chest of the deceased. The saffron band is to touch the neck of the body. The flag must not be placed over the body or coffin like a Chadar to avoid touching the feet of the deceased. Q 8. How is the Flag placed on the dead body of a person disposed off? Ans. The flag placed on a dead body is destroyed in private, away from public gaze preferably by burning or burying it deep or immersing it into the Ganga. Q 9. Can a Judge of a High Court fly the National Flag on his/her car? Ans. Yes, the High Court Judges can now fly the National Flag on their car. Earlier, they were not allowed to do so. Q 10. On a day when it is raining heavily do you have to lower the National Flag? Ans. No, the Flag is to fly between sunrise and sunset regardless of the weather conditions. Q 11. When the Tiranga is to be flown with the National Flag of another country which side will the Tiranga be placed or flown - to the right or to the left? Ans. While flying the Tiranga besides another country's National Flag, it will be placed/flown to the left as one looks at it. 16

21 Q 12. In case of death of a VVIP on 25th January or 14th August, or 1st October and a 7 day state mourning is declared, will the Flag fly half-mast the next day on 26th January, 15th August, or 2nd as the case may be? Ans. No, in such a case, the Flag will fly full-mast on 26th January, the Republic Day similarly on 15th August, the Independence Day and on 2nd October, the Gandhi Jayanti Day. Q 13. In case of death of a VVIP on Republic Day 26th January or on Independence Day 15th August or on 2nd October Gandhi Jayanti Day and a state mourning is declared by the Government, will the Flag fly half-mast on the day? Ans. No, it will fly full-mast, except on the building where the dead body lies in State. And as the body is removed from there for cremation, the flag will be raised full-mast on the building. Q 14. When state mourning is declared by the Government on the death of a VVIP are the members of public supposed to fly the Flag at half-mast? Ans. No, the general public is not supposed to half-mast the flag; however, they may do so at their discretion. It is so because the Flag is to be half-masted only on Government buildings on receiving instructions from the Government. Since no instructions are issued to the public to half-mast the flag, members of public are not obliged to do so. Q 15. When a foreign dignitary travels in a car provided by the Government of India or by a State Government, on which side of the car will the Indian National Flag be flown? Ans. On the right side of the car, the Indian National Flag and on the left side, the National Flag of the dignitary's country will be flown. Q 16. When our National Flag is flown with the United Nation's Flag, on which side of it will the Tiranga fly? Ans. When the Tiranga is flown besides the UN Flag, it can be flown on either side of it. Q 17. When was the Tiranga first flown on the Mount Everest? Ans. On 29th May, 1953 when the world famous highest peak was scaled for the first time. Tiranga along with the UN, Union Jack and the fish-tailed Nepalese National Flag was flown on the Mount Everest. The flag was preserved in the Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum, New Delhi. Q 18. After India became a free nation in 1947 when was the Tiranga hoisted for the first time on the Light House on the island of Minicoy in Lakshadweep? Ans. On 2nd April, For about nine years after India became independent the Light House authorities remained ignorant about India's independence, hence they continued to fly the Union Jack till Q 19. Name the Indian who the planted the Tiranga for the first time on the North Pole? Ans. Squadron Leader Sanjay Thapar planted the Tiranga for the first time on the North Pole on 6th August, Q 20. Name the Indian who the planted the Tiranga for the first time on the South Pole? Ans. Col. J. K. Bajaj planted the Tiranga for the first time on the South Pole on 17th Jan

22 Q 21. When was the Tiranga first flown into the outer space? Ans. In 1971, the Tricolour traveled into the outer space for the first time on board Apollo-15. Q 22. When was the Tiranga first planted at the Dakshin Gangotri in Antarctica? Ans. On 9th January, 1982, the first Indian Antarctica Expedition planted the Indian Flag at the Dakshin Gangotri. Q 23. Name the scuba diver who displayed the Tiranga under water for the first time at a depth of 18 meters in Andaman & Nicobar Islands? Ans. Mrs. Archana Sardana, displayed the National Flag Tiranga under water at 18 meters depth off the Neil Island, Andaman & Nicobar Islands on 14th January, Q 24. How many Tirangas are simultaneously flown on the August building of the Parliament House? Ans. Three Tirangas are simultaneously flown daily on the building of the Parliament House The first flag represents the office of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha; the second denotes the office of the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha and the third one represents the office of the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. Q 25. What do you understand by the term Flag-march? Ans. A march by the armed or para-military forces through the streets of any tension torn towns/cities etc. with a view to caution people against violence and to urge them to maintain peace, is called a flag march. Q 26. When is the Flag Day observed in India? Ans. On 7th December every year by the armed forces of India by raising fund by Selling minipaper flags. Q 27. Are the table Tirangas meant to be used during summit talks and international conventions made of cotton-khadi or silk-khadi? Ans. Such flags are made of Khadi-Silk because they are used for formal functions and ceremonies. Q 28. What is the standard size of a table flag? Ans. The standard size of a table flag is 6 x 4 (150 x 100mm). Q 29. What is the standard size of a car flag? Ans. The standard size of a car flag is 9 x 6 (225 x 150mm). Q 30. What is the standard size of the flag used on the train and aeroplanes used by the President and Prime Minister of India? Ans. The standard size of the Presdient's train-flag and aeroplane-flags used by the President and Prime Minister of India is 18 x 12 (450 x 300mm). Q 31. Where was the first 207 feet high monumental flagpole installed in India? Ans. At Hanuman Vatika, Kaithal in Haryana. 18

23 Q 32. Till January 2002, the National Flag could not be flown by general public on all days of the year at their homes, factories, offices etc. Who secured the Right for Indians to fly the Tiranga on all days of the year at their homes, factories, offices etc.? Ans. Shri Naveen Jindal, Hon'ble Member of Parliament and a young well known industrialist of the country secured the right for Indians to fly the Tiranga everyday at their homes/offices. Q 33. The Iron Pillar, near Qutub Minar, Delhi was originally a Dhvaja Stambh (flagpole). Which deity did it belong to? Ans. The stambh was meant for Lord Vishnu's dhvaja dating back to Gupta period of Indian History. Q 34. Who persuaded the Supreme Court of India to decree the flying/displaying of the National Flag on all days of the year in 2004 as a Fundamental Right and the Parliament for the display of the image of the National Flag on our costumes/dresses etc. in 2005? Ans. Shri Naveen Jindal, Hon'ble Member of Parliament and a young industrialist. Q 35. When did the Hon'ble Supreme Court declare the flying of the National Flag as a Fundamental Right of a citizen? Ans. On 23rd January, Q 36. Where in India does the Indian Tricolour fly at the highest altitude? Ans. At the War Memorial, Drass, Kargil at an altitude of 10,600 ft. which remains under snow for nearly 6 months, but the flag flies regardless of the weather conditions. Q 37. Is it true or false that all Indian airports, seaports and light houses, etc. are required to fly the National Flag? Ans. True, the Tiranga is to be flown on these buildings. Q 38. What do you understand by the term 'breaking of a flag'? Ans. The origin of the term 'Breaking a Flag' belongs to Navy. When a flag is prepared for some important function it is tied atop at the flagpole with a special knot called 'slipknot'. It is broken by a pull to the halyard that keeps the flag tied up on the flag mast for unfurling. Thus, the term 'breaking of a flag'. Q 39. When the National Flag is to fly along with the flags of organisations such as army, navy, air force, Indian Police, CRPF, BSF, etc., how much higher will be the National Flag than the other flag or flags? Ans. If the National Flag is displayed with other flags, it will be displayed in the centre and will be 1.2 meters higher than the remaining flags or higher by the size of the width of the National Flag so that it is distinctly seen above the other flags or flags. Q 40. What is the protocol regarding the display of the National Flag when the President, Vice President or the Prime Minister of India visits a foreign country by aeroplane? Ans. The National Flag is flown on the aircraft carrying the President, Vice-President or the Prime Minister. The National Flag of the country being visited is also flown alongside. Enroute, when the aircraft lands in any other country or countries for a stop-over, the National Flag of the countries touched is also flown as a gesture of courtesy and goodwill. 19

24 Do's And Don'ts Of Flying The Tricolor Do's We must respect the flag above all. The flag should be of the given standard size. Whenever the National flag is flown, it should occupy the position of honour and be distinctly placed. Where the practice is to fly the National flag on any public building, it shall be flown on that building on all days, including Sundays and holidays. It shall be flown from sunrise to sunset irrespective of weather conditions. The flag may be flown on such a building at night also, but this should be only on very special occasions. The National flag shall always be hoisted briskly and lowered slowly and ceremoniously. When the hoisting and the lowering of the flag is accompanied by appropriate bugle calls, the hoisting and lowering should be simultaneous with the bugle calls. When a National flag is displayed from a staff projecting horizontally or at an angle from a windowsill, balcony or front of a building, the saffron band shall be at the farther end of the staff. When the National flag is displayed flat & horizontal on a wall, the saffron band shall be uppermost and when displayed vertically, the saffron band shall be to the right with reference to the flag, i.e. it may be to the right of a person facing it. When displayed over the middle of a street, running east-west or north-south, the National flag shall be suspended vertically with the saffron to the north, or to the east as the case may be. When the National flag is displayed on a speaker's platform, it shall be flown on a staff on the speaker's right as he faces the audience or flat against the wall above and behind the speaker. When used on occasions like the unveiling of a statue, the National flag shall be displayed distinctly and separately. When a National flag is displayed alone on a motorcar, it shall be flown from a staff that should be affixed firmly to the car in the middle front of the bonnet. When a National flag is carried in a procession or a parade, it shall be either on the marching right, that is the flag's own right, or if there is a line of other flags, in front of the centre of the line. Don'ts A damaged or disheveled National flag must not be displayed. The flag must not be dipped in salute to any person or thing. No other flag or bunting shall be placed higher than or above or side by side with the National flag; nor shall any object, including flowers or garlands or emblem be placed on or above the flag mast from which the National flag is flown. The National flag must not be used as a festoon, rosette or bunting or in any other manner for decoration; nor shall other coloured pieces of cloth be so arranged as to give the appearance of the National flag. 20

25 The National flag must not be used to cover a speaker's desk nor should it be draped over a speaker's platform. The National flag must not be displayed with the saffron down. It should not be allowed to touch the ground or the floor or trail in water. It should not be displayed or fastened in any manner as it may damage it. The National flag must not be misused in any manner. Punishments Related To National Flag Offences No one should disrespect, destroy, defame, defile, disfigure, mutilate, trample upon or burn the flag under public gaze, as it constitutes an offence. The above mentioned offences, if committed against the National Flag, are punishable under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, As per the Act, a person causing dishonour or insult to the National Flag shall be punished with imprisonment for a term, which may extend to three years or fine, or both. These punishments have also been illustrated in the picture below. Whoever, having already been convicted of an offence related to the National Flag is again convicted of any such offence shall be punishable for the second time and for every subsequent offence. Punishment Related To Flag Offences OR Fine Imprisonment + Fine Imprisonment 21

26 HUTATMA CHOWK - AMBERNATH 100 Ft. Flag Mast Installation - 1st May

27 RAJ BHAVAN 150 Ft. Flag Mast Installation - 1st May

28 UNIVERSITY OF MUMBAI 100 Ft. Flag Mast Installation - 18th July

29 A Word Of Thanks This Book is consolidate from the publication All About The Flag of India & Know Your National Flag Authored by Late Lt Cdr. KV Singh We are grateful to him for allowing us to use the contents. Born in 1938, Late Lt Cdr. KV Singh served the Indian Armed Forces for thirty years. He has authored various books in English including Quiz India, The Indian Tricolour, Colourful World of Flags and more. Our sincere thanks once again to Late Lt Cdr. KV Singh for his enthusiastic zeal and earnest efforts in our endeavor. It would have been impossible to work without your support. We also express our gratitude to our creative partners, Mr. Anjan Bhaumik and his team at ideaaworks for conceptualizing and designing the Flag Book. We aspire to take this association forward and collaborate for perpetual endeavors in the future. Late Lt Cdr. KV Singh Our Achivements 25