India is gearing up to celebrate its 75th Indian Independence Day, the most significant milestone in the country’s history. On this day, the Prime Minister hoists the ‘Tiranga’ or the tricolour on the Red Fort.
There are codes that govern its use and as well approach Independence Day weekend, here’s a quick reminder.
Do’s
Section 2 of the new code accepts the right of all private citizens to fly the tricolour on their premises.
With the dignity and honour, a member of any public or private organisations such as schools, colleges, sports camps, scout camps may hoist the national flag on all days and occasions.
An oath of allegiance has been included in the tricolour hoisting in schools.
Don’ts
The tricolour cannot be used for communal gains, drapery, or clothes.
The tricolour should be flown from sunrise to sunset.
The tricolour can’t be intentionally allowed to touch the ground in anyway.
No other flag or bunting can be placed higher than the tricolour.
No object, including flowers or garlands or emblems, can be placed on or above the tricolour.
The tricolour can’t be used as a festoon, a rosette or a bunting.
Over the years, several incidents of flag code violation have been reported in India.
Sachin Tendulkar, Sania Mirza, Amitabh Bachchan, Shahrukh Khan and Mandira Bedi are the accused of insulting the Tricolour.
In 2007, Tendulkar were given legal notice for cutting a cake with the Tricolour on it while in the same year an FIR was also lodged against Mandira Bedi for wearing tricolour Sari.
A year later, Sania Mirza got embroiled in a controversy after a photo in which she was seen sitting with her feet up on a table next to the national flag.
In 2011, a case was filed against Amitabh Bachchan for wrapping himself up in the tricolour while celebrating India’s victory against Pakistan in the Cricket World Cup.
A complaint was filed against Shahrukh Khan as well for insulting the flag after photos showed that he had held the tricolour upside down while celebrating India’s World Cup win.
More recently, the UP Police had booked family of a farmer, Balvinder Singh, who died this year near Ghazipur in farmer protest, following allegations that the body had been draped in the national flag. There were similar allegations of flag code violations when the body of farmer Navreet Singh, who died in Delhi on January 26.
Ravin Sisodia, who was an accused in the killing of Mohammad Akhlaq in 2015, were reportedly wrapped in tricolour after their death.
In other India News, Independence Day 2021: Check out these speech and essay ideas for students and teachers