National flag-themed masks banned in Ranchi

Ranchi: Additional district magistrate (law and order) Akhilesh Kumar Sinha on Sunday issued a strict ban on the sale of masks based on the Tricolour and warned of stringent action against violators in accordance with the national flag code.

Issuing the order ahead of the Independence Day, Sinha asked all officials, including local police, to keep an eye on markets under their jurisdiction to curb the sale of such masks that are themed on the Indian flag.

Sinha said the ban was issued following instances of rampant sale of designer masks themed on the Tricolour.

“The idea behind the ban is to curb any sort of disregard to the Indian flag. It has come to our notice that rampant sale of such masks have picked up in the flea markets ahead of the Independence Day. While government has mandated masks to curb the spread of Covid-19, there is a possibility of improper disposal of such masks which will be disrespectful to the national flag as per the flag code.”

The Flag Code of India, introduced in 2002, is a set of laws, practices and conventions that apply to the display of the national flag. The code is divided into three parts — general description of the national flag, its display by members of public, private organisations, educational institutions, etc., and displays by Union and state governments and their affiliates. The code is in effect from January 26, 2002 superseding the earlier code.

It also prescribes that only khadi or hand-spun cloth should be used to make the flags and the use of any other material is punishable with an imprisonment up to three years along with a fine. However, the code allows paper flags to be waved by public on occasions of important national, cultural and sporting events. After use, they shouldn’t be discarded on the ground, but disposed of with dignity.

Notably, this year’s I-Day Day celebrations is expected to be a low-key affair in view of the pandemic. While Ranchi district administration will host the state programme at Morhabadi ground, the districts will hold programmes in accordance with the Covid protocols.