New Delhi: We all know that the national flag should not be insulted. But often we see the tricolours made up of paper thrown on roads as if their importance is limited to only the Independence or Republic Day celebration.
Most people know how to hoist the national flag, but after hoisting the flag, people show no interest in how to dispose of the national flag. Notably, the solution of the same has been mentioned in the Flag Code of India 2002.
Now, the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign has also started. In such a situation, the disposal of national flag is a matter of concern. Besides this, one should know the important things related to our national flag and its maintenance.
The Flag Code of India, 2002 Part II- Section I-2.2(xiii) states: Whenever the National Flag is found to be damaged or in a defective condition, it shall be destroyed at a private level, preferably by burning or otherwise which is according to the dignity of the national flag.
Apart from burning the flag, it can also be buried, but in the process make sure that it one needs to be sure that it does not come back to the surface due to the removal of soil. If the flag is being lit, ensure that it is lit completely, not half. This work should be done personally, if possible, while doing this work, the flag should be saluted, or silence should be maintained.
The proper way to burn the Indian flag is to light a fire and respectfully keep the folded flag in the fire. It is a legal offence to burn the flag directly or burn it outright. Special care should be taken that the national flag is a symbol of justice, freedom, loyalty and pride of the country i.e it is necessary to maintain its dignity while disposing of it.
However, these days, several flags are made of plastic, which causes pollution by burning, so it is not right to burn such flags. The government has also given strict instructions to all the states and union territories regarding plastic flags.
One should keep in mind that common people cannot put the national flag on their cars or two-wheelers. Only certain government officials are allowed to put the national flag on their vehicles.
-- President.
-- Vice-President.
-- Governor and Lieutenant Governor.
-- Heads of Indian Missions/Posts abroad in the countries in which they are recognized.
-- Prime Minister and other cabinet ministers; Minister of State and Deputy Minister of the Union; Chief Minister and other Cabinet Ministers of any State or Union Territory; Minister of State and Deputy Minister of any State or Union Territory.
-- Speaker of the Lok Sabha; Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha; Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha; Chairman of Legislative Councils in the States; Speakers of Legislative Assemblies in States and Union Territories; Deputy Chairman of Legislative Councils in the States; Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assemblies in the States and Union Territories.
-- Chief Justice of India; Judges of the Supreme Court; Chief Justices of High Courts; Judges of High Courts.
One should also know that a flag can only be disposed of if it is damaged or defective. Keeping in view the dignity of the Indian flag, all types of flags should be destroyed privately by burning or by any other suitable method. If the flags are of paper, they cannot be thrown on the ground. They should also be disposed of privately.
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