Flag Code of India 2002, History, Amendments, Features of Indian Flag

The Flag Code of India 2002 includes the rules and protocols for displaying and using the National Flag which was adopted in 1950, following India’s independence, includes multiple amendments to align with evolving traditions and official guidelines. A significant amendment in 2002 permitted the National Flag of India to be flown at night, an earlier restriction that limited hoisting between sunrise and sunset. The most recent amendment came with the introduction of the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign.

Flag Code of India 2002

The National Flag of India symbolises national pride, respect and affection towards the nation. The Flag Code of India 2002 is the set of rules and regulations, guidelines for the hoisting of National Flag which is divided into three sections:

1. National Flag general description
2. Display of National Flag by Institutions such as Educational, Public, Private etc.
3. Display of National Flag by Central Government as well as State Governments and their agencies as well.

Indian National Flag Designer

Indian National Flag Designer was Pingali Venkayya, a freedom fighter and a Gandhian. First, the design was presented to Mahatma Gandhi and later adopted during the Constituent Assembly meeting on July 22, 1947.

‹ ›

Flag Hoisting on 78th Independence Day 2024

India celebrated the 78th Independence Day on August 15, 2024 where the Prime Minister of India hosted the National Flag at Red Fort, New Delhi. The Flag Hoisting was held across the government offices and educational institutions to celebrate the freedom of India.

National Flag of India

The National Flag of India is known as Tiranga which stands for Tricolour having 3 strips horizontally of saffron, white and green along with a blue Ashoka Chakra. The flag has a 3:2 width-to-length ratio, and the Ashoka Chakra represents the eternal wheel of law. Each color has a symbolic meaning:

1. Saffron (Top) denotes courage and sacrifice.
2. White (Middle) represents peace and truth. The white stripe contains the Ashoka Chakra (wheel) in navy blue, which has 24 spokes.
3. Green (Bottom) stands for faith, fertility, and the land.

Flag Hoisting Time

Traditionally, the National Flag was hoisted at sunrise on Independence Day. With recent amendments, it can now be hosted at any time of the day or night, as long as it is treated with due respect and dignity.

Flag Code of India 2002 History

The evolution of the Indian Flag Code is deeply connected to the development of the National Flag and the values of respect and honour associated with it. Initially, the display of the Indian flag was regulated by two key legislations: the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950 and the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.

To unify these regulations, the Flag Code of India, 2002 was introduced, establishing guidelines for the proper use of the tricolour. Advocate B. M. Birajdar stated, “The Flag Code of India 2002 permits the unrestricted display of the tricolour, consistent with the honour and dignity of the flag.” Below is a Flag Code of India 2002 History.

Indian National Flag Origin

The Indian National Flag’s design was officially adopted by the Constituent Assembly on July 22, 1947, just before the country became independent from British rule. It consists of three horizontal bands: saffron at the top, white in the middle, and green at the bottom. At the center of the white stripe is the blue Ashoka Chakra, a 24-spoke wheel. Each element of the flag carries deep significance, symbolizing India’s rich heritage, cultural values, and aspirations for the future.

Flag Code of India 2002 and 2022 Amendment

The use and hosting of the Indian National Flag are regulated by the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 and the Flag Code of India, 2002. Below are some key provisions of the Flag Code of India, 2002, for public awareness:

1. Amendment of 2021: As per the order dated December 30, 2021, the use of machine-made polyester flags was permitted. The national flag can now be made of hand-spun, hand-woven, or machine-made cotton, polyester, wool, silk, or khadi fabric.
2. Public Display: Citizens, private organizations, and educational institutions are allowed to hoist or display the national flag on any day or occasion, provided it is done with dignity and respect.
3. Amendment of 2022: An order dated July 19, 2022, modified clause (xi) of paragraph 2.2 of Part II, allowing the flag to be flown day and night when displayed in the open or on a citizen’s house.
4. Shape & Size: The national flag must always be rectangular, with a length-to-width ratio of 3:2. It can be of any size while maintaining this proportion.
5. Position of Honour: The flag should always be placed in a position of prominence and must be distinctly displayed.
6. Condition of the Flag: A damaged, torn, or disheveled flag must not be displayed.
7. Masthead Protocol: The National Flag should not be flown from the same masthead as any other flag.
8. Usage on Vehicles: Only select dignitaries, including the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Governors, and other officials specified in Section IX of Part III of the Flag Code, are permitted to display the flag on their vehicles.
9. No Higher Placement: No other flag or decorative bunting should be placed higher than or alongside the national flag.

Recent Changes on Flag Code of India 2002