There are several rules about the act of hoisting or displaying the Tricolour. Flag Code of India 2002 elucidates the rules and regulations and are upheld by the Prevention of Insults of National Honour Act, 1971.

As there is a surge in the demand for the National Flag, the Department Of Posts (DoP) announced that it took only 10 days to sell one crore national flags through its widespread network of 1.5 lakh post offices across the nation and online channels.

As people get ready to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Independence Day by taking part in the government’s Har Ghar Tiranga campaign, which is being organised under the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav program, retailers in cities, towns, and villages are also reporting increased sales of the flag. Although the act of hoisting or displaying the Tiranga is intended to promote patriotism, not many are aware of the numerous regulations that apply. The Flag Code of India of 2002 and the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act of 1971 uphold these directives.

Rules for hoisting a flag:

As stated in the Flag Code Of India, paragraph 2.2, which came into effect on January 26, 2002, any individual, organisation, private, public, or educational institution (including scout camps) can hoist or display the Tricolour on “all days or occasions following the dignity and honour of the National Flag.”

Choosing a flag:

The ratio of the length to the width of the flag should be 3:2. Therefore, the flag is ideally a rectangle and not square or any other shape. Post an amendment on December 30, 2021, it is been decided that the material of the flag will be “handspun and handwoven or machine-made, cotton, polyester, wool, silk or khadi bunting.”

Displaying a National Flag that is soiled or imperfectly maintained is prohibited. The national flag must always be prominently displayed and put in a conspicuous location.

No other flag, bunting, or item, including flowers, garlands, or an insignia, may be flown from a flagpole when the National Flag is being flown higher, above, or side by side with another flag or item. Never use the Tricolor as a bunting, festoon, rosette, or another ornamental item. There shouldn’t be any signage attached to the pole from which it flies.

Donning the Tricolour in a display of patriotism:

According to law, it is forbidden for any individual to wear/use the national flag “as a portion of costume or uniform.”

Putting a flag up on a vehicle:

Except for the vehicles of the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Governor, and other dignitaries, the National Flag cannot be flown on any other vehicle. Also avoid using the flag to cover the top, rear, or sides of any vehicle.

How should the Tricolor be handled following Independence Day?
The Tricolour shouldn’t be kept in a condition that might make it soiled or damaged. If your flag is damaged, the Flag Code advises you to “destroy it as a whole in privacy, preferably by burning or by another way compatible with the dignity of the flag,” rather than tossing it aside or treating it disrespectfully.

Paper flags should not be thrown on the ground after the ceremony by those who are waving them. The flag code states that the flag “shall not touch the earth, the floor, or trail in the water.”

Also Read: Har Ghar Tiranga: Jammu Madrasa Celebrates Campaign and Spreads Message of Unity