National Flag of India

National Flag of India
Government of India · Public domain · source
Name	Flag of India
Nickname	Tricolour
Use	Civil and state ensign
Proportion	2:3
Adopted	22 July 1947
Design	Horizontal tricolour of India saffron, white and India green with the wheel in navy blue at centre

Contents

National Flag of India The National Flag of India is the principal symbol of the Republic of India, representing the nation's sovereignty, unity and identity across the subcontinent. It functions as a state emblem during ceremonies associated with the Constituent Assembly of India, Republic Day (India), Independence Day (India) and interactions with foreign dignitaries such as those from the United Kingdom, United States, Russia and United Nations delegations. The flag's visual elements were refined during discussions involving figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhas Chandra Bose and designers linked to the Indian National Congress and the Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha.

History

Early precursors include flags used by the Indian National Congress and revolutionary groups such as the Hindustan Republican Association, Ghadar Party, and the All India Forward Bloc during the struggle against the British Raj. Designs evolved through proposals from activists like Pingali Venkayya, interactions with organizations including the All-India Muslim League and events such as the Salt Satyagraha and Quit India movement. Regional emblems like those of the Maratha Empire, Bengal Presidency and Nizam of Hyderabad informed local flag traditions, while international parallels appeared with flags of the Union Jack, Tricolore (France), Stars and Stripes, and banners used at the Paris Peace Conference (1919). The modern tricolour emerged after deliberations in the Constituent Assembly of India and was adopted shortly before the transfer of power involving the Indian Independence Act 1947 and negotiations with representatives from the Dominion of Pakistan.

The flag is a horizontal tricolour of India saffron (top), white (middle) and India green (bottom) with the Ashoka Chakra, a 24-spoke navy blue wheel, at its centre. The Ashoka Chakra is derived from the Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath and references emperor Ashoka and inscriptions in the Edicts of Ashoka. Color meanings have been articulated by political leaders including Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru in speeches to bodies like the Indian National Congress and the Constituent Assembly of India: saffron associated with courage linked conceptually to figures such as Subhas Chandra Bose and Bal Gangadhar Tilak, white with truth evoking reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Swami Vivekananda, and green with fertility and prosperity referenced in debates involving representatives from Punjab, Bengal, Bombay Presidency and Madras Presidency. The Ashoka Chakra's 24 spokes have been compared in parliamentary discussions to principles invoked in the Indian Penal Code and moral teachings cited by leaders including B. R. Ambedkar.

Specifications were codified by commissions including committees chaired by members of the Constituent Assembly of India and later statutory instruments influenced by the Bureau of Indian Standards and advisory panels involving officials from the President of India office and the Ministry of Home Affairs. The flag's ratio of 2:3, exact Pantone equivalents, construction in khadi promoted by advocates like Mahatma Gandhi and hoisting procedures used during ceremonies at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, Red Fort, Parliament of India and state legislatures are formalized through protocols used by the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force and civil services. Rules on half-masting, burning, disposal and manufacture involve agencies such as the Controller General of Defence Accounts and judicial interpretations by courts including the Supreme Court of India.

Adoption occurred on 22 July 1947 following debates in the Constituent Assembly of India and preceding enactments tied to the Indian Independence Act 1947. Legal status has been shaped by statutes, executive orders and judgments delivered by the Supreme Court of India and high courts in disputes involving political parties like the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Indian National Congress, as well as civic organizations such as the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh and activist groups including the Aam Aadmi Party. The Flag Code of India and subsequent amendments, along with decisions influenced by rulings referencing the Constitution of India and directives from the President of India, define enforcement mechanisms and penalties adjudicated through tribunals and courts.

The flag is displayed during national observances including Republic Day (India), Independence Day (India), state visits at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, legislative openings at the Parliament of India and sporting events like the Cricket World Cup and Asian Games. Institutions such as the Supreme Court of India, Reserve Bank of India, Indian Railways, All India Institute of Medical Sciences and universities including University of Calcutta and University of Delhi follow prescribed protocols. Usage by corporations such as Tata Group and Reliance Industries during corporate social responsibility events, and by civil society organizations including the Indian Red Cross Society and National Cadet Corps, is regulated under the Flag Code and subject to oversight by authorities like the Ministry of Home Affairs and police forces in states such as Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka.

Controversies have arisen over improper display during events involving political rallies for groups such as the Bharatiya Janata Party and Communist Party of India (Marxist), modifications proposed by designers, and incidents adjudicated by the Supreme Court of India and high courts in cases involving activists from the Right to Information movement and student bodies at institutions like Jawaharlal Nehru University. Debates about commercial use, variant flags proposed by movements tied to regions like Kashmir and Punjab or communities represented by parties such as the Shiromani Akali Dal have led to legislative and judicial clarifications. Proposals for changes have occasionally referenced historical standards from the Indian National Army and banners used by princely states like Hyderabad State and Travancore.

Category:Flags of India