UPSC Prelims 2023 Q84: Flag Code of India 2002 — Explained

Consider the following statements in respect of the National Flag of India according to the Flag Code of India, 2002:

Statement-I:

One of the standard sizes of the National Flag of India is 600 mm × 400 mm.

Statement-II:

The ratio of the length to the height (width) of the Flag shall be 3:2.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

  1. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
  2. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
  3. Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
  4. Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

Answer: (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

Statement-wise explanation

  • Statement-I: incorrect — Paragraph 1.4 of Part I of the Flag Code of India, 2002 lists nine standard sizes in mm: 6300×4200, 3600×2400, 2700×1800, 1800×1200, 1350×900, 900×600, 450×300, 225×150 and 150×100. 600×400 mm is not on the list. The trap is that 600×400 still has a 3:2 ratio, so it looks right but is not a prescribed size.
  • Statement-II: correct — Paragraph 1.3 of the Code says the National Flag shall be rectangular and the ratio of its length to its height (width) shall be 3:2. Every standard size follows this ratio. Because Statement-I is false, Statement-II cannot explain it. A 3:2 ratio is necessary for a standard size but not enough on its own, since only the nine listed sizes count.

How to eliminate

Most aspirants already know that the Tiranga has a 3:2 ratio. That makes Statement-II safe and rules out the option saying Statement-II is incorrect. Three options remain, and the ratio cannot separate them because 600×400 is also 3:2. Only knowing the list of standard sizes settles the question. One memory aid helps: the sizes jump from 900×600 straight to 450×300, so there is no 600×400 step. Also note the logic. A ratio can never 'explain' why one particular size is standard, so even if Statement-I were true, the first option would be doubtful. Fact to remember: nine standard sizes, from 6300×4200 mm down to 150×100 mm, all in the ratio 3:2.

Know more

Flag Code of India, 2002 is an executive set of instructions from the Ministry of Home Affairs, not a statute. It came into force on 26 January 2002 and brought earlier instructions together in three parts. Part I is a general description of the flag. Part II covers display by the public, private bodies and educational institutions. Part III covers display by governments and their agencies.

Standard sizes (ratio 3:2)

Size (mm) Notes in the Code
6300×4200, 3600×2400, 2700×1800 Large flags for buildings
1800×1200, 1350×900, 900×600 General use
450×300 Aircraft on VVIP flights
225×150 Motor cars
150×100 Table flags

Key amendments

  • 30 December 2021: flags may be hand-spun and hand-woven or machine-made, in cotton, polyester, wool or silk khadi bunting. Earlier only hand-spun, hand-woven khadi was allowed.
  • 20 July 2022: a flag displayed in the open or at a member of the public's home may be flown day and night. Earlier it could be flown only from sunrise to sunset. Both changes came before the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign.

Related legal framework

  • Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971: penalises insult to the flag and the Constitution.
  • Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950: bars commercial misuse.
  • Article 51A(a): a Fundamental Duty to respect the National Flag.
  • Union of India v. Naveen Jindal (2004): the Supreme Court held that flying the flag with respect is part of freedom of expression under Article 19(1)(a), subject to reasonable restrictions.

In the news

The Flag Code was amended twice before the 2023 exam: on 30 December 2021 to allow polyester and machine-made flags, and on 20 July 2022 to allow flying day and night. Both changes came ahead of the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign of August 2022, held under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav for the 75th Independence Day, which put the Code's rules in the news.

NCERT Concepts to Revise

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