Pune Activist Flags Tricolour Misuse in Pubs; President Murmu Seeks MHA Action
New Delhi/Pune, 4th February 2026: President Droupadi Murmu has taken swift cognizance of a complaint highlighting the alleged misuse and disrespect of the Indian National Flag in pubs, hotels, lounges, nightclubs and sports bars during Republic Day and Independence Day celebrations.
The complaint was submitted on January 26 by Pune-based businessman and activist Prafful Sarda. Within 72 hours, the President’s Secretariat responded, forwarding the matter to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for appropriate action.
In a communication from Under Secretary Lakshmi Maharabooshanam at Rashtrapati Bhavan, the Secretariat stated that the action taken in the matter should be conveyed directly to the complainant.
Reacting to the development, Sarda said it was encouraging that the President had taken serious note of the issue. He alleged widespread violations of the Flag Code of India, 2002, with the Tricolour being used as a decorative or entertainment prop at late-night events.
“The National Flag is a sacred symbol and not a commercial prop. Its blatant mishandling violates the Flag Code of India,” Sarda said, citing multiple videos and photographs on social media showing the flag being misused.
He expressed concern that such violations are occurring openly and repeatedly, indicating weak enforcement and lack of supervision. Sarda urged the authorities to issue stringent written guidelines to commercial establishments, conduct awareness drives, and carry out surprise inspections to curb misuse of the Tricolour.
The Flag Code of India, 2002, framed under the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950 and the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, prescribes detailed norms for the display of the National Flag. Certain violations attract fines and imprisonment of up to three years.
