“Can I fly the Indian flag on my vehicle?”. Flag code explained

India will celebrate its 71st Independence Day on the 15th of August and the preparations are on to make it a grand affair. Motorcycle groups and car clubs across the country will get in the act as well, adding to the festivities with their own unique twist.

It is a common sight, especially in the days preceding Independence Day to see citizens celebrating with the national flags. But there are some codes to be followed before you fall into a big trouble !!

THIS CAN HAPPEN WITH YOU!!

READ: HARLEY -DAVIDSON RIDER IN DOCK FOR FLAG CODE VIOLATION: Man sporting National Flag on his Harley Davidson bike was booked because the Flag was displayed on the rear left side of the bike. As per the complainant, the flag should not be used on any vehicles other than with the official sanction. Even if permitted, the National Flag on any vehicle should be on the right side.

*FLAG PLACEMENT ON MOTORCYCLES

If only the Indian Flag is on your bike, it should either be at the center, or to its “marching right” – on the right side of the motorcycle to the rider’s perspective when facing forward.

Indian Flag And Any Other Flag Of Any Type

If the Indian Flag is on your bike with another, it should be to its “marching right” – on the right side of the motorcycle to the rider’s perspective. If the other flag is that of another nation, it should be the same size and at the same height of the Indian Flag – NO flag should ever be displayed higher than the Indian Flag.

FLAG PLACEMENT ON CARS

Flag displayed on a car

As per the Flag Code of India, 2002

Section III  Correct Display

3.12

When the Flag is displayed alone on a motor car, it shall be flown from a staff, which should be affixed firmly either on the middle front of the bonnet or to the front right side of the car.

Section IX  Display on Motor Cars

3.44 

As per the Flag Code of India, 2002, only the following persons can display flag on their motor cars:

The privilege of flying the National Flag on motor cars is limited to the:—

(1) President;

(2) Vice-President;

(3) Governors and Lieutenant Governors;

(4) Heads of Indian Missions/Posts abroad in the countries to which they are accredited;

(5) Prime Minister and other Cabinet Ministers;Ministers of State and Deputy Ministers of the Union; Chief Minister and other Cabinet Ministers of a State or Union Territory; Ministers of State and Deputy Ministers of a State or Union Territory;

(6) Speaker of the Lok Sabha; Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha;Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha;Chairmen of Legislative Councils in States;Speakers of Legislative Assemblies in States and Union territories;Deputy Chairmen of Legislative Councils in States;Deputy Speakers of Legislative Assemblies in States and Union territories;

(7) Chief Justice of India;Judges of Supreme Court;Chief Justice of High Courts;Judges of High Courts.

3.45
The dignitaries mentioned in Clauses (5 ) to (7) of paragraph 3.44 may fly the National Flag on their cars, whenever they consider it necessary or advisable.

3.46
When a foreign dignitary travels in a car provided by Government, the National Flag will be flown on the right side of the car and the Flag of the foreign countries will be flown on the left side of the car.

Few facts on how to handle the Indian National Flag:

• The national flag of India shall be made of hand spun and hand woven wool/cotton/silk khadi bunting and its length to height (width) ratio shall be 3:2
• The Flag Code of India has also put out rules on disposal off the flags as well as the materials that should not be used like plastic. Paper flags should not be discarded or thrown on the ground. As far as possible, it should be disposed off in private consistent with the dignity of the flag.
• The flag shall not be intentionally allowed to touch the ground or the floor or trail in water.
• Citizens can sport miniatures of the national flags inside their car on the dashboard or on the wind screen throughout the year, after a Supreme Court order on January 23, 2004, which made flying of the national flag a fundamental right.
• However, display of the flag on the bonnet of a motor car can only be done by certain officials of the state and central governments as well as by Chief Justices. When the car is not used by these dignitaries, the flag must be removed, folded or well covered.

Hope the article was useful !!

technwheelz wishes everyone a Happy Independence Day

Source

• *Flag placements on motorcycle. Courtesy: The Flag Corp And Other Websites.
• Flag displayed on car Data Source: http://www.mahapolice.gov.in
• Images for representation purpose only. Credits to respective owners