Date:22/01/2003 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2003/01/22/stories/2003012206120101.htm

Front Page

Stringent punishment

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI JAN. 21. After relaxing rules for the display of the national flag last year, the Centre today decided to impose stringent punishment for deliberate insult to the tricolour.

The Union Cabinet decided to impose a minimum imprisonment of one year in the case of second or subsequent offence of deliberate insult.

Those who intentionally prevent the singing of the national anthem and those who cause disturbance in any assembly engaged in such singing would also invite a minimum imprisonment of one year.