Ansari’s criticism on social media misplaced

New Delhi, January 27

Vice-President Hamid Ansari on Monday came under criticism from a section of people on Facebook and Twitter for “not saluting” the Indian flag as it was being unfurled during the Republic Day parade. The criticism was, however, misplaced since Ansari, a former Indian Foreign Service officer, was following the protocol laid down by the Flag Code of India published by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

His office clarified that in keeping with the protocol, the Vice-President does not offer a salute when he is not the principal dignitary.

Section VI of the flag code lays down behaviour of officials and dignitaries when the flag is unfurled with the National Anthem playing in the background. It says: “During the hoisting or lowering the flag or when the flag is passing in a parade or in a review, all persons present should face the flag and stand at attention. Those present in uniform should render the appropriate salute. When the flag is in a moving column, persons present will stand at attention or salute as the flag passes them. A dignitary may take the salute without a he address.” In this case the flag was being hoisted ahead of the parade and Ansari was standing in “attention” as laid down in the flag code. Only the persons in uniform of the services or the police are mandated to salute. The ‘principal dignatory’ — in this case the President Pranab Mukherjee — saluted as is the norm. — TNS