MHA directs strict compliance with flag code, national honour act

Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued an “immediate” directive to all States, Union Territories, and Central Ministries, directing strict adherence to the Flag Code of India, 2002, and the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.
In the directive, the ministry stressed that the Indian National Flag symbolises the hopes and aspirations of the nation’s people and must always be treated with dignity and respect.
It observed a lack of awareness regarding the correct display, handling, and disposal of the flag continued to persist among the public and institutions.
MHA has directed the authorities to ensure that paper flags used during national, cultural, and sports events were not discarded improperly.
It emphasised that such flags should be disposed of in private and in a dignified manner consistent with the sanctity of the National Flag.
Reiterating key provisions of the Flag Code of India, 2002, the Ministry highlighted that the flag is a symbol of national pride and must always be treated with utmost respect in line with the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.
The code permits citizens, private organisations, and educational institutions to hoist the National Flag on all days and occasions, provided it is done respectfully. It allows the flag to be flown both during the day and at night.
The flag may be made of hand-spun, hand-woven, or machine-made materials—including cotton, polyester, wool, silk, or khadi—and must maintain a rectangular shape with the prescribed proportion of 3:2 (length to width).
Among other mandates, the flag should always occupy a position of honour, must not be damaged, torn, or dishevelled, and should not be displayed alongside or below any other flag on the same mast.
The code further prohibits flying the National Flag on vehicles except for those of designated dignitaries, such as the President, Vice-President, Prime Minister, and Governors.