Take legal action against e-commerce websites and shops those sell ‘masks’ resembling the national flag, on the occasion of Independence Day ! – Surajya Abhiyan
The ‘Indian National Flag’ is a symbol of pride for billions of Indians; using it for anything else other than a few exceptions is a cognizable and non-bailable offence. However, e-commerce websites like Redbubble, various shopkeepers and street sellers, etc. have been selling these sensitive items in large numbers on the occasion of 15th August by making masks in the colours of the Indian national flag. ‘Surajya Abhiyan’ initiative of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, in it’s statement submitted to the Union Home Minister Mr. Amit Shah, raised a demand that the offence should be registered against these establishments for insulting the national flag and legal action should be initiated to prevent the production, distribution and sale of such masks.
The national flag is not a means of decoration. If such a mask is used, sneezing, spitting, uncleanliness, and finally throwing it in the trash after use will be an insult to the national flag and also an offence under the Prevention of Improper Use) Act,1950. Section 2 and 5. It is also a punishable offence under Section 2 of the Prevention of Insult to the National Dignity Act, 1971 and Symbols and Names (Prohibition of Improper Use) Act, 1950. However, the statement said that the Government should strictly implement it. Last year, the Arunachal Pradesh government had distributed 60,000 tiranga (including Ashok Chakra) masks to the students. It is also the violation of flag code. Therefore, the central government is expected to issue guidelines to the states. The Mumbai High Court, while hearing a public interest litigation filed in 2011, had directed the government to “stop the desecration of the national flag” which must be acted upon.
Below are the websites and links on which such masks are available for sale :
