MHA issues advisory to ensure strict compliance of 'Flag Code of India, 2002' and 'The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971'

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Wednesday issued an advisory to the chief secretaries, administrators of all state governments, UT administrations, secretaries of all ministries, reiterating to ensure strict compliance of the provisions contained in the 'Flag Code of India, 2002' and 'The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971'.

The advisory directs that mass awareness programmes to be carried out and also wide publicity through advertisements in both the electronic and print media.

The advisory states that the National Flag represents hopes and aspirations of the people of the country and, therefore, should occupy a position of honour.

The advisory also states that it has come to the MHA's notice that on important events, the National Flags made of plastic are also being used in place of paper flags.

Since, the plastic flags are not biodegradable they do not get decomposed for a long time and ensuring appropriate disposal of National Flags made of plastic commensurate with dignity of the flag.

The Advisory states that the National Flag represents hopes and aspirations of the people of our country and hence should occupy a position of honour. There is universal affection and respect for, and loyalty to, the National Flag.

Yet, a perceptible lack of awareness is often noticed amongst the people as well as organizations/agencies of the Government, in regard to laws, practices and conventions that apply to 'display of the National Flag’.

The Advisory states that on important national, cultural and sports events, Flags made of paper only are used by public in terms of the provisions of the 'Flag Code of India, 2002' and such paper Flags are not discarded or thrown on the ground after the event.

Such Flags are to be disposed of, in private, consistent with the dignity of the Flag. Wide publicity, for not using the National Flag made of plastic, should be made along with its advertisement in the electronic and print media.