Flag Code and How it is being Violated in Public

It is a well-known fact that the Tricolour is treated too casually by many in the public. The National flags are seen lying on the roadside along with the other garbage and even in drains by the evening of the Independence Day, the Republic Day and other National Days. Cheap plastic flags, rather than the sacred Khadi Flags have become the order of the day. Such a treatment is not only a violation of the ‘Flag Code’ and other applicable laws like the ‘Emblems and Names Act, 1950’, ‘Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971’, but also an atrocity on the patriotic sentiment of every true citizen of India.

Flag Code and How it is being Violated in Public

There are strict standards to be adhered to for making and using the flag. The Hubli-based Karnataka Khadi Gramodyoga Samyukta Sangha (KKGSS) has been certified as the sole institution to supply national flags for the entire country, by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) in conformation with the standards laid down by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). Few Indians even know there is one. Some important stipulations laid down in the Flag code are as follows:

· First, there are nine standard sizes to which our flag is made, each with a special purpose for which only it may be used.
· The colors have to be of the exact shade specified by KVIC and BIS. Both saffron and green have to be of equal length and breadth.
· The length and width of the entire flag should be in the ratio 2:3.
· The chakra should contain 24 equally spaced spokes. The chakra should be printed on both sides; the position of both synchronized.
· There should be a four-thread stitch in each centimeter of the cloth. The flag edge (for rod insertion) has stipulated dimensions.
· Only, hand-spun and hand-woven cloth can be used for a national flag.
· Only cotton, silk, wool or khadi can be used.
· Whenever it is flown, it should occupy the position of honour and be distinctly placed.
· The flag must not be used as a festoon, rosette or bunting or in any other manner of decoration. It should not be used as a portion of a costume or uniform. It should not also be embroidered on any cushion, handkerchief, or printed on napkins or boxes.
· Only specified Indian dignitaries can fly the flag atop their cars.
· Even the half-masting during mourning has to be done only for certain dignitaries' deaths. This too in a certain procedure ― it has to be hoisted briskly, and lowered slowly.

Any defects in the manufacture of flags, such as colour, size and thread count are considered a serious offence and are liable for fine or imprisonment or both, as per the provisions of Flag Code of India. The flags will have to be first quality-checked by the BIS. If they find any defect, the entire lot will be rejected. Even the tailors need certain specified diplomas / training certificates to be recruited.

"Flying a plastic or paper flag can attract imprisonment of up to three years with a fine. Even for disposing of a damaged or discolored national flag (the Flag Code says these are not to be used), you have to gather a/few local leader(s), and in their presence, burn it and then bury it. Also, private citizens can only hoist it in their homes, not cars,"

The Indian Navy uses woolen Flags, the Army cotton and silk ones, and the Air Force mostly silk. The Flag Code of India says there are nine different sizes in which the flag is made. Each has certain dimensions and a specified use. The sizes range from a few inches to a few feet. The smallest one (Size Nine) ― 6 inches X 4 inches or 150 mm X 100 mm is for use as a table flag during meetings, conferences involving participation by foreign countries (you would have seen this one in countless TV clippings and newspaper photos); Size Eight – 9 inches X 6 inches or 225 mm X 150 mm is for use in VVIP cars; Size Seven ― 18 inches X 12 inches or 450 mm X 300 mm for VVIP aircraft and train carrying the President; Size Six – 3 ft X 2 ft or 900 mm X 600 mm for display in rooms on cross bar, etc.; on deceased persons; Size Five ― 5.5 ft X 3 ft or 1,350 mm X 900 mm) for smaller sized public buildings; Size Four – 6 ft X 4 ft or 1,800 mm X 1,200 mm on deceased persons entitled to state / military funerals and on small government buildings. Size Three – 9 ft X 6 ft or 2,700 mm X 1,800 mm on Parliament House and medium sized government buildings; Size Two -- 12 ft X 8 ft or 3,600 mm X 2,400 mm on gun carriages, Red Fort, Rashtrapati Bhavan; Size One -- the biggest of them all (21ft into 14ft or 6,300 mm into 4,200 mm) is for very large buildings with a high flag mast.