Indian Flag Code of Conduct - Rules for Hoisting Flag of India

The Indian flag is a horizontal tricolour in equal proportion of deep saffron on the top, white in the middle and dark green at the bottom. Being a national symbol it is respected by every Indian. The code of conduct of the Indian National Flag, which has been dubbed as Flag Code of India, 2002 is an attempt to bring together laws, conventions, practices, and instructions for the guidance and benefit of everyone concerned. There are certain do's and don'ts laid down for common people regarding Indian flag. These are also known as Indian flag hoisting rules.

Indian Flag Code of Conduct

The Code of Conduct of the Indian National Flag, which has been dubbed as Flag Code of India, 2002 (PDF File) is an attempt to bring together laws, conventions, practices, and instructions for the guidance and benefit of everyone concerned.

• When the National Flag is raised the saffron colour band should be at the top.
• No flag or emblem should be placed either above the National Flag or to its right.
• All other flags to be placed to the left of the National Flag if they are hung in a line.
• When the National Flag is carried in a procession or parade, it shall be on the marching right or in front of the center of the line, if there is a line of other flags.
• Normally the National Flag should be flown over important government buildings like the Rashtrapati Bhawan, the Parliament House, the Supreme Court of India, the High Courts, the Secretariats, the Commissioners' office etc.
• The National Flag or any imitation of it must not be used for purpose of trade, business, or profession.
• The National Flag should always be taken down in the evening at sunset.

According to flag code of India, Citizens of India did not had the right to hoist the Indian flag except for some important days like Republic day, Independence day and Mahatma Gandhi's birthday. A renowned industrialist Naveen Jindal challenged this in the court as when he hoisted the flag on his office building he was told not to do so as it may be taken as a breach of code of Indian flag. Then he lodged a PIL (Public Interest Litigation) in the court now the decision of the court is pending in this regard but a temporary permission has been granted to Indian citizens to hoist the flag on any day but in a respectable manner. According to this code of conduct the people will hosted the flag with respect. Here are the some rules of flag code what can you do or don't.

Allowed in Flag Code of India

• The National Flag may be hoisted in educational institutions (schools, colleges, sports camps, scout camps, etc.) to inspire respect for the Flag. An oath of allegiance has been included in the flag hoisting in schools.
• A member of public, a private organization or an educational institution may hoist/display the National Flag on all days and occasions, ceremonial or otherwise consistent with the dignity and honour of the National Flag.
• Section 2 of the new code accepts the right of all private citizens to fly the flag on their premises.

Not Allowed in Flag Code of India

• The flag cannot be used for communal gains, drapery, or clothes. As far as possible, it should be flown from sunrise to sunset, irrespective of the weather.
• A member of public, a private organization or an educational institution may hoist/display the National Flag on all days and occasions, ceremonial or otherwise consistent with the dignity and honour of the National Flag.
• No other flag or bunting can be placed higher than the flag. Also, no object, including flowers or garlands or emblems can be placed on or above the flag. The tricolour cannot be used as a festoon, rosette or bunting.

Interesting Facts About Indian Flag

• The Indian flag was hoisted on the highest mountain peak of the world, Mount Everest on 29^th May 1953.
• Madam Bhikaji Rustom Cama was the first person to hoist Indian flag on foreign soil on 22^nd August 1907 in Stuttgart, Germany.
• The Indian National Flag flew to space in 1984 when Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma went to the space. The flag was attached as a medallion on the space suit of Rakesh Sharma.