Producer: Peuli Bakshi
Indian citizens should follow the rules stated in the Flag Code of India 2002 to dispose of the national flag after use on Republic Day.
According to the code, after bringing down the Indian national flag, it must be placed horizontally.
Then the two bands, saffron and green, will have to be folded beneath the white band.
The citizens need to fold the white band in such a manner that the Ashoka Chakra is visible with parts of the saffron and green bands.
They need to carry the folded Indian national flag in their arms or palms and store it in a safe place.
A damaged or soiled national flag has to be destroyed “as a whole in private, preferably by burning or any other method considering the dignity of the National Flag”.
Like damaged flags, the ones made of paper should be discarded in private, “keeping in mind the dignity of the National Flag”.
The citizens must ensure that the flag does not touch the ground or the floor or trail in water intentionally, even while taking it down.
Violations of the rules to prevent insult to the national flag, laid down under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, can lead to fine or imprisonment up to 3 years.