Complaint filed over draping of National Flag on Parvathamma's body

Bengaluru: An advocate from the city has filed a private complaint in a court here, alleging that provisions of National Flag Act were violalted in draping Indian flag over the body of Parvathamma Rajkumar during her funeral procession on May 31.

The advocate, identified as Chetan, has named chief secretary to the government, home secretary, and city police commissioner as respondents in the case. The private complaint stands filed in the 24th additional chief metropolitan magistrate's court here citing violation of rule No. 5 of Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.

The complainant has said that under the rules, national flag can be used as a drapery only in case of the funeral of of state police, military, and central para military forces alone and that it cannot be used in the funeral of individuals.

In addition, the national flag can be used to drape mortal remains of current and former President and Vice President, current central and state ministers, and freedom fighters as a mark of respect. He also pointed out that there is provision to impose punishment by way of three years of rigorous imprisonment and fine in case of violation. He has requested the court to register criminal case against the accused under the said act. They should be tried as per law and punished, he stated.