Question

Consider the following statements :

a. Originally the use of the National Flag by private persons was prohibited except on National Days.

b. The Code was amended again in 2007.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. a only
2. b only
3. a and b
4. Neither

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 1 : a only

The correct answer is Originally the use of the National Flag by private persons was prohibited except on National Days.

• According to The Flag Code of India 2002, “The Indian National flag represents the hopes and aspirations of the people of India. It is the symbol of national pride".
• The National Flag of India :
  • Shape: Horizontal tricolour rectangular panel  in 2:3 proportion,
  • Colours:
    • Saffron (symbol of courage and sacrifice), on top.
    • White (truth, peace, purity) in mid.
    • Green (prosperity) at the bottom; with the Ashoka Chakra(growth), a 24-spoke wheel, in navy blue at its centre. 
  • It was adopted in its present form during a meeting of the Constituent Assembly held on 22 July 1947.
  • It is based on the Swaraj flag, a flag of the Indian National Congress.
  • Designed by Pingali Venkayya.
• Its usage is governed by the Flag Code of India and other laws relating to the national emblems.

• The Flag Code of India, 2002 is a compilation of all the laws, conventions, practices, instructions and guidelines that govern the display of the National Flag.
  • It submerges Provisions of the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950, and the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Act, 2005.
  • It is segregated into 3 parts.
    • Part 1:the description and dimensions of a standard flag.
    • Part 2:the correct display code and guidelines for members of the public, private organizations, educational institutions etc.
    • Part 3:the correct display code, storage, and disposal guidelines for the Centre & state government & their organisations & agencies. 

• The original flag code of India did not allow private citizens to fly the national flag except on national days such as Independence Day or Republic Day.
• In 2001, Hon'ble Supreme Court gave a ruling in Union vs Jindal case and asked the Government of India to consider the matter.
  • The Union Cabinet of India amended the Indian Flag Code with effect from 26 January 2002, allowing private citizens to hoist the flag on any day of the year, subject to their safeguarding the dignity, honour and respect of the flag. Hence, Option 1 is correct.
• Also stated that "the right to fly the flag is a qualified right and should be interpreted in the context of Article 19 of the Constitution of India".
• In July 2005, the Government of India amended the code to allow some forms of usage.
  • The amended code forbids the usage of the flag in clothing below the waist and on undergarments, embroidering onto pillowcases, handkerchiefs or other dresses. (Last  amendment in 2005) Hence, option B is wrong.
• The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 (amended in 2003) lays down the punishments meted out in case of any disrespect to the flag.
• The first offence shall attract a prison term of up to 3 years and a fine.

• Largest Human Flag of India: An event organised to form the world's largest human national flag in Chennai, organised on 7 December 2014 by Rotary International India.