Explained: Rules and Authorized Dignitaries Allowed to Display Indian Flag on Vehicles

Only certain constitutional dignitaries are allowed to fly the Indian flag on their vehicles as per the Indian Flag Act, 2002. The individuals who are entitled to display the flag include:

  • Governors and Lieutenant Governors of States and Union Territories
  • Cabinet Ministers and Ministers of State at the Centre
  • Chief Ministers and Cabinet Ministers of States and Union Territories
  • Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives
  • Vice Chairman of the Indian Rajya Sabha
  • Legislative Assembly and Speaker of Parliament
  • Supreme Court Justice
  • Chief Justice and High Court Judges
  • Spokespersons of Indian Missions/Resident Missions Abroad.

It is illegal for anyone other than these dignitaries to display the national flag on their vehicle; displaying the flag on vehicles is strictly restricted. The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act of 1971 provides for fines and imprisonment for disrespecting the national flag, among other legal consequences for violating these provisions.

Rules for flying the national flag on vehicles

Flying the Indian flag on a vehicle is governed by specific rules in the Indian Flag Act, 2002. Here are the key provisions:

  1. Authorized Individuals: The flag may only be flown on the vehicles of certain VIPs, including:
  • President of India
  • Vice President of India
  • Prime Minister of India
  • Governors of states and union territories
  • Other distinguished guests as specified in the National Flag Law.
  • Positioning of flag: When a flag is displayed on a vehicle, it must be flown from a flagpole fixed to the vehicle so that it is clearly visible.
  • Other uses are prohibited: The flag may not cover the side, back, or top of any vehicle. As stated previously, the flag should not be displayed on any vehicle that does not belong to a dignitary.
  • Condition of Flags: Flags must be in good condition; damaged or unkempt flags may not be displayed.
  • No Other Flags May Be Displayed: When the National Flag is displayed on a vehicle, no other flags or bunting may be placed over or beside the National Flag.
  • The rules are part of a wider statute, the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act 1971, which emphasises respect and dignity for the flag.

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