NEW DELHI — India’s Ministry of Home Affairs has directed all state governments and Union Territory administrations to ensure strict compliance with the Flag Code of India, 2002, and the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, ahead of national events including Independence Day.
The directive, dated Jan. 22, 2026, was addressed to the chief secretaries and administrators of all states and Union Territories as well as the secretaries of central ministries and departments, according to a copy published by government authorities.
The ministry said there was still a lack of awareness among the public and government organisations about the laws, practices and conventions governing the display and handling of the national flag. It called for wider public awareness and publicity through electronic and print media.
A key instruction concerns paper flags used by the public at important national, cultural and sporting events. Authorities have been asked to ensure such flags are not discarded or thrown on the ground after use and are instead disposed of privately in a manner consistent with the dignity of the national flag.
The Flag Code permits citizens, private organisations and educational institutions to display the national flag on all days and occasions, subject to prescribed rules governing its dignity and manner of display. The code was amended in 2021 and 2022, and the Ministry of Home Affairs continues to publish the current provisions and related orders on its website.
Among the code’s requirements, the national flag must occupy a position of honour and should not be displayed in a manner that damages, defaces or disrespects it. The code also sets rules covering the flag’s material, dimensions, display and use alongside other flags.
The directive is part of continuing government efforts to reinforce compliance with the national flag rules. The Ministry of Home Affairs had previously issued similar instructions, including guidance on the use and disposal of flags during national and other public events.
State and Union Territory authorities have been asked to implement the instructions and promote awareness of the applicable provisions. The latest publicly available ministry records continue to list the Flag Code and related compliance orders among its official national flag documents.
