The Fight to Free Tiranga

The Union of India sometime in January, 1996 filed a Special Leave Petition before the Supreme Court challenging the judgment dated 22nd September, 1995 passed by the Delhi High Court. On 7th February, 1996 the Hon'ble Supreme Court was pleased to grant leave and stay the operation of the impugned judgment. The flag continued to fly as Naveen's lawyer said "it would not be contempt of court since the judgement had only been stayed".

The matter then came up for hearing before the Hon'ble Mr. Justice V.N. Khare and the Hon'ble Mr. Justice S.N. Variava of the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India. The Hon'ble judges observed that prima facie they see no reason why the citizens cannot express patriotism by displaying the national flag. They also observed that restrictions on flying of national flag only on certain days by private citizens seemed unsustainable.

Subsequently an Inter-Ministerial Committee was constituted by the Union of India on 18th October, 2000, headed by Mr. P.D. Shenoy, Additional Secretary in Ministry of Home Affairs. The committee was to consider whether the citizens should be allowed to freely fly the national flag as an expression of their feelings of patriotism.

Several meetings were held by the Committee where view-points were presented by Naveen also. Dr. P. D. Shenoy submitted the Committee's report to the Government on 12.04.2001.

From November, 2000 to May, 2001 the Government repeatedly sought adjournments before the Supreme Court. Taking a strong view of such delaying tactics, the Hon'ble Supreme Court on 2nd May, 2001 permitted Naveen Jindal to fly the National Flag with respect, dignity and honour.

Union Cabinet accepted Dr. P. D. Shenoy committee report on 15.01.2002 and announced that citizens will be free to fly the National Flag respectfully on all days from 26.01.2002. The Government subsequently issued a new flag code (Flag Code of India 2002) which contained guidelines for flying the National Flag.

The Hon'ble Supreme Court on 23rd January, 2004 dismissed the Civil Appeal No.2920 of 1996 arising out of SLP No. 1888 of 1996 filed by Union of India against the judgment and order dated 22nd September, 1995 of Delhi High Court and held that:

• Right to fly the National Flag freely with respect and dignity is a fundamental right of a citizen within the meaning of Article 19(1) (a) of the Constitution of India being an expression and manifestation of his allegiance and feelings and sentiments of pride for the nation ;
• The fundamental right to fly National Flag is not an absolute right but a qualified one being subject to reasonable restrictions under clause 2 of Article 19 of the Constitution of India;
• The Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950 and the Prevention of Insults to national honour Act, 1971 regulate the use of the National Flag;
• Flag Code although is not a law within the meaning of Article 13(3)(a) of the Constitution of India for the purpose of clause (2) of Article 19 thereof, it would not restrictively regulate the free exercise of the right of flying the national flag. However, the Flag Code to the extent it provides for preserving respect and dignity of the National Flag, the same deserves to be followed.

Thus, the 7-year old legal battle was over and the Indian flag was finally free. The citizens got the freedom to express their nationalist emotions by displaying the Indian tricolor. This was victory of all Indians and independent India. Every Indian can now fly the flag with due respect as a result of Naveen Jindal's persistent and untiring efforts. Liberty has at last been bestowed on "We the People".