Indian Flag Code: Rules, Amendment, Significance

Indian Flag Code states the practices that one should follow while displaying or hoisting the Indian flag. The Tricolor flag is the pride of our nation and its proper representation is the duty of every Indian citizen. The Flag Code of India 2002 was made to acquaint everyone with the correct way of displaying the Tricolor.

The members of all public and private organizations, as well as individuals, have to follow a set of rules when hoisting the Indian national flag. In this article, we have shared the Indian Flag Code in detail, along with all the rules and regulations and their significance.

About Indian Flag Code

It is important for every Indian to follow the Flag Code of India to show loyalty and respect to our national flag. Through this code, the government of India wants to educate everyone about the common procedures and rules to be followed while hoisting the national flag. Indian Flag Code has been an essential resource in ensuring the proud hoisting of the Tricolor.

The Flag Code of India took effect on 26 January 2002 and it aims to instill a sense of responsibility in every Indian citizen while handling or hoisting the national flag. It is the duty of every citizen to go through the flag code and educate others about it as well.

Flag Code of India 2022

An amendment was introduced to the Flag Code of India in 2022. The same year, the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign was also initiated, amid which, the Indian Flag Code was widely discussed in the country. In this campaign, people were encouraged to raise the national flag from their houses to express loyalty to the nation.

• Since the campaign was nationwide, people were educated about the importance of following the Flag Code of India.
• This code gives a set of instructions and guidelines to individuals and organizations on how to raise the country’s flag.
• Many people came across the Indian Flag Code for the first time but it definitely gave them a lesson for a lifetime.

Indian Flag Code 2022 Amendment

The 2022 Amendment to the Indian Flag Code changed the hoisting time of the Indian national flag. Here are more details about this amendment.

• According to the 2022 Amendment to the Flag Code of India, the national flag of India can be displayed outside the house of the citizens of India.
• The Flag can also be flown during the day and night time.
• Before this amendment, the Indian Flag Code mentioned that the Tricolor is only to be flown from sunset to sunrise.

Indian Flag Code History

The Flag Code of India was introduced by the government of India in 2002. History reveals that the display of the national flag was governed by the Provision of The Emblems and Names Act, 1950.

• In 2002, an attempt to introduce a set of laws and pacts, combining practices and directives was made by the government of India.
• Thus, the Indian Flag Code was introduced by the government to the people.
• Hoisting or raising the national flag fills every citizen with patriotism.
• The Flag Code of India teaches us how to raise the flag with appropriate honor and dignity.

Flag Code of India: Divisions

The Indian Flag Code was introduced by the government to make every Indian understand the honor and pride that comes with raising the flag. The Indian flag is the epitome of the hopes and aspirations of Indians, and it is undoubtedly the most prized national symbol. Every Indian has the fundamental right to fly the tricolor freely, but the Flag Code of India sets a standard governing the use of the flag.

Three Parts of the Indian Flag Code

For the convenience of the reader, the Flag Code of India is divided into three brief parts, which have been discussed below.

Part I of the Flag Code of India

• This part of the Indian Flag Code deals with a detailed description of our national flag's physical aspect and appearance.
• It describes our flag's three color bands, saffron on the top, white in the middle, and green at the bottom.
• Part I of the Flag Code of India also mentions the dark blue Ashok Chakra in the center of the flag, which has 24 spokes.
• Normally, hand-spun cotton, silk, or khadi make a standard flag.

Part II of the Indian Flag Code

• This part of the Flag Code of India deals with the actual display code and proper guidelines and instructions for the storage and disposal of the flag in a civilian context.
• It indicates distinctly placing the flag in a position of honor.
• The flag should be hoisted and lowered unhurriedly.
• The Indian Flag Code specifies that the saffron band of the flag should always be on top. It should occupy the position of honor and the flag should not be placed in an inverted position.
• A damaged or disheveled flag should never be displayed or dipped on any occasion and should never touch the ground.
• The Flag Code of India mentions that the flag should not be used for advertisement or commercial purposes.

Part III of the Flag Code of India

• This section of the Indian Flag Code relates to the display of the national flag by central and state governments and their counterparts.
• The flag can be used in funerals only in the case of armed forces personnel or other dignitaries and should be flown at half-mast in the mourning period.
• The Flag Code of India mentions that the flag can never be used as a festoon or a decorative item.
• The flag should be displayed at all official residences like the president, prime minister, governor, and other dignitaries and other public sector undertakings.
• The Indian Flag Code states that when carried in a parade, the flag should either be in front or towards the right of the file that is marching forward.
• In case of any national loss or mourning, the flag should be hoisted at half-mast.

Significance of the Flag Code of India

The Tricolor is the pride of our nation and representative of our identities as Indians. The Flag Code of India educates us on the importance of handling the national flag correctly. Here are some other reasons why the Indian Flag Code is considered so significant:

• It specifies the rules and regulations one must follow while hoisting the national flag.
• Before the Indian Flag Code was released by the government, the citizens often carried the flag inappropriately, unaware of the proper ways.
• By following the Flag Code of India, we ensure that our national flag is always displayed in an honorable manner.

FAQs on the Indian Flag Code

Q1. What is the Indian Flag Code 2002?

The Indian Flag Code 2002 sets standards governing the use of the Indian flag with dignity. This code was introduced by the government of India on 26 January 2002 to educate people about the proper ways of handling the national flag.

Q2. What is the Indian Flag Code amendment?

The amendment of the Indian Flag Code states that the national flag of India can be

• Displayed outside the house of the citizens of India.
• The Flag can also be flown during the day and night time.
• Before this amendment, the Indian Flag Code mentioned that the Tricolor is only to be flown from sunset to sunrise.

Q3. How many sections are there in the Indian Flag Code?

There are three sections in the Indian Flag Code, mentioned below.

• Part I: It gives a detailed description of our national flag's physical appearance.
• Part II: It states the guidelines and rules for the national flag hoisting.
• Part III: It describes the places in which the national flag can be hoisted.

Q4. What is Part I of the Indian Flag Code?

Part I of the Indian Flag Code describes the physical appearance of the flag. It states the size and shape of the flag, the colors in it, and the chakra at the center. Part I of the Flag Code of India also describes the kind of cloth on which the flag must be printed.