The Hindu : Front Page : National Honour Bill passed

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Dec 13, 2005

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National Honour Bill passed

New Delhi: Parliament approved two Bills on Monday to provide punishment for insulting national emblems by using them on clothes worn below the waist and on undergarments with Rajya Sabha approving the legislations.

The Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2005 and the State Emblem of India (Prohibition of Improper Use) Bill, 2005 ban burning, crushing or distorting national symbols. The legislations, already passed by the Lok Sabha, seek to prevent embroidery of national emblems on pillow covers and handkerchiefs.

Allowance for sportspersons

Sportspersons representing the country will now be able to freely display the national emblem and colours on their uniforms without fear of prosecution following approval by Parliament of the relevant legislations here.

Prior to the successful passage of the two Bills — by voice vote — Home Minister Shivraj Patil, in his reply to the combined discussion on the two legislative measures, said the measures were in response to the suggestions in this regard by a large number of people from across the country.

The Bills together shall facilitate sportspersons and other people wanting to wear the national colours and emblem on their cap, shirt or coat provided the emblem would not be displayed on the back or below the waist. Also, the use of the national emblem would be prohibited on undergarments and as embroidery on pillowcases and the like, the Minister said. — PTI, UNI

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