The Centre has urged all citizens not to use national flag made up of plastic and asked States and Union Territories to ensure strict compliance of the flag code.
According to reports, the Home Ministry on Wednesday said the national flag represents hopes and aspirations of the people of India and hence should occupy a position of honour.
It has been brought to its notice that during important events, the national flag made of plastic is used in place of paper flags, the Ministry added.
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As per section 2 of the Prevention of Insults to National Honor Act, 1971, Whoever in any public place or in any other place within public view burns, mutilates, defaces, defiles, disfigures, destroys, tramples upon or otherwise shows disrespect to or brings into contempt (whether by words, either spoken or written, or by acts) the Indian National Flag or the Constitution of India or any part thereof, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.
Since plastic flags are non-biodegradable and do not get decomposed for a long time, appropriate disposal of the national flag made of plastic commensurate with the dignity of the flag is a practical problem.
The States and Territories advisory further added that flags made of paper are to be used by the public as these are not to be discarded or thrown on the ground after the important national, cultural and sports events.