Delhi Police issued a public advisory on Friday outlining 12 rules for handling the national flag, as Tricolour-waving supporters gathered in Connaught Place amid police action over the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) proposed ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ march.
The police shared the guidelines from the Flag Code of India shortly after detaining CJP founder and convener Abhijeet Dipke, who had called for the unauthorised gathering.
The advisory instructed citizens to prevent the Tricolour from touching the ground or dragging through water. It also prohibited people from using the flag to cover vehicles, buildings, speakers’ desks or platforms.
The police further clarified that citizens must not incorporate the national flag into costumes, uniforms or clothing materials.
They also prohibited lettering on the flag and its use as a container for carrying or holding objects, except for flower petals placed inside before ceremonial unfurling.
The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, prescribes imprisonment of up to three years, a fine, or both for bringing the national flag into contempt.
Supporters Gather Despite Police Detentions
Authorities restricted access to Central Park, the proposed venue, on Friday evening. Nevertheless, groups assembled around the park, along adjoining roads and near Rajiv Chowk Metro station.
Police detained student leader Neha Bora and several supporters of the All India Students’ Association. Officers also took groups raising slogans into custody from Barakhamba Road and other locations.
Later, Rajya Sabha MP and Communist leader John Brittas joined supporters for a march through Connaught Place while carrying the Tricolour.
Police detained Dipke after issuing two notices that directed him to abandon plans for the gathering. The New Delhi Municipal Council had not authorised the event, officials said.
One notice invoked the Delhi Police Act and referred to restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which remained in force at Central Park.
Authorities also referred to earlier preventive proceedings involving Dipke and CJP co-conveners Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das, who had previously faced preventive detention and appeared before a court.
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