Election Commission cautions political parties against dishonouring national flag

NEW DELHI: The Election Commission has cautioned political parties against dishonouring the national flag during election rallies while stating that there is no prohibition on its "proper use" in such events.

Referring to a recent order of the Allahabad High Court, the Commission has written to all the recognised national and state parties asking them to ensure that there is no violation of the provisions of the Flag Code and various other Acts which seek to protect the national flag and the emblem from insult.

Often political parties have been accused of insulting the national flag during rallies.

Citing a January 30 order of the Allahabad High Court, EC said, "there is no prohibition of proper use of national flag by political parties in rallies."

But, at the same time, "it is the bounden duty of the authorities concerned to ensure strict compliance and observance of the provisions of the Flag Code and the provisions of the Emblem and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950 and the Prevention of insults to National Honour Act, 1971".

The EC asked the parties that the HC order should be brought to the notice of the cadres at all levels to ensure that "there is no violation of the provisions of the Flag Code and Acts mentioned".

The EC had written to the parties on March 4, a day before the schedule for Lok Sabha polls was announced.

A petitioner had approached the HC seeking directions that there should be a ban on the use of national flag by political parties in rallies.

Dismissing the plea, the HC said there was no prohibition of proper use of national flag by political parties in rallies but it was the "bounden duty" of the authorities to ensure strict compliance of the Flag Code and related laws.