Understanding India's Flag Code: Rules, History, and Legal Cases

Every August, Tanga, the national flag of India, takes over our streets, our homes, even our social media feeds. But

here's a question. Did you know there's actually a rule book that decides exactly how our national flag can be

made, displayed, and even disposed of? And breaking these rules isn't just bad manners. It can land you in jail. So

today, let's talk about the flag code of India, why it exists, what it says, and the times people have gotten into

trouble for ignoring it. The story of India's flag is older than our independence. The very first national

flag was hoisted in 1906 at Pari Ban Square in Kolkata. Yellow, red and green stripes. Then in 1921, Pingaal Wenaya

proposed a new design to Mahatma Gandhi. By 1931, thericolor saffron, white and green became our symbol. And finally on

July 22nd 1947 the constituent assembly adapted the flag we know today complete with the navy blue ashwoka chakra. Fast

forward to 2002 the government brings in the flag code of India. Basically a single document combining all the laws,

customs and conventions about our national flag. Before this there were strict restrictions on who could even

fly it. But the 2002 code changed that. Now, any citizen can hoist the flag any day of the year as long as it's done

with dignity. The flag code works alongside another important law, the prevention of insults to National Honor

Act 1971. This one's more serious. It says if you burn, damage, step on, deface, or in any

way disrespect the flag, you can get up to 3 years in prison, a fine, or both. And it's not just the cloth flag. Even a

picture, painting or printed version is protected. Some of the big rules. The flag must always be rectangular with a 3

is to2 length to height ratio. It can now be made from cotton, polyester, silk or wool, not just kadi. Since 2022, you

can fly it day and night as long as it's in the open. Never use it as clothing, decoration, or packaging. Never let it

touch the ground or water. and don't stick it on your car unless you're the president, vice president, prime

minister, or a few other top officials. But despite all that, violations keep happening. In 2023, police in Chennai

allegedly threw national flags into a dust bin during a cricket match. In Kerala, a student magazine got into

legal trouble for showing disrespect to the flag. Even cricketer Rohit Sharma faced backlash when a victory photo

showed the tanga touching the ground. And in Himachal Pradesh, Congress leaders were accused of holding it

upside down during a protest. That's it for today's video. If you have any comments or feedback, write to us at

videosthehindu.co.in. Thanks for watching.