Code of Conduct to Hoist the Indian Flag

According to flag code of India, citizens of India did not had the right to hoist the Indian flag except for some important days like Republic day, Independence day and Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday. However, on 26th January 2002, the flag code was changed giving Indians the freedom to proudly display the national flag any where and any time. However, there are still some rules and regulations upon how to fly the flag, based on the 26th January 2002 legislation. Being a national symbol Indian National Flag is respected by every Indian. There are certain dos and don’ts laid down for common people regarding Indian flag.

Do’s and Don’ts

• A member of public, a private organization or an educational institution may hoist/display the National Flag on all days and occasions, ceremonial or otherwise, consistent with the dignity and honor of the National Flag.

• When the National Flag is raised the saffron color band should be at the top.

• The National Flag or any imitation of it must not be used for purpose of trade, business, or profession.

• The National Flag should always be taken down in the evening at sunset.

• No other flag or bunting can be placed higher than national flag.

• No object, including flowers or garlands or emblems, can be placed on or above the flag.

• Do not let small children use the National Flag as a toy.

• Take care to see that the Flag does not get crumpled, trampled upon or torn.

• All other flags to be placed to the left of the National Flag if they are hung in a line. Do not let the Flag fall on the ground.

• When the National Flag is carried in a procession or parade, it shall be on the marching right or in front of the center of the line, if there is a line of other flags.

Some Interesting Facts

• It was in 1904 that first Indian flag came into being. It was made by an Irish disciple of Swami Vivekananda. Her name was Sister Nivedita and after some time this flag came to be known as “Sister Nivedita’s flag”.
• Madam Bhikaji Rustom Cama was the first person to hoist Indian flag on foreign soil on 22nd August 1907 in Stuttgart, Germany.
• The ratio of the width of the flag to its length is 2:3. The navy blue wheel, comprising of 24 spokes represents the Ashoka Chakra, seen on the abacus of the Sarnath Lion Capital of Ashoka. The diameter of the chakra approximates to three-fourth of the width of the white band of the flag.
• The Indian flag was hoisted on the highest mountain peak of the world, Mount Everest on 29th May 1953.
• The Indian National Flag flew to space in 1984 when Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma went to the space. The flag was attached as a medallion on the space suit of Rakesh Sharma.
• According to flag code of India citizens of India did not had the right to hoist the Indian flag except for some important days like Republic day, Independence Day and Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday. A renowned industrialist Naveen Jindal challenged this in the court as when he hoisted the flag on his office building he was told not to do so as it may be taken as a breach of code of Indian flag.
• On 26th January 2002, the flag code was changed, giving Indians the freedom to proudly display the national flag any where and any time.

Disclaimer: The article  contains data collected from various sources.