Flag code violated at Parvathamma Rajkumar's funeral; complaint lodged

Parvathamma Rajkumar's body was draped in the Tricolour She was buried with full state honours Parvathamma Rajkumar was the Iron Lady of Sandalwood

A private complaint has been lodged against disrespecting the national flag during the funeral of Sandalwood's Iron Lady Pravathamma Rajkumar. Advocate Chethan of Vijayanagar has filed a private complaint at the 24th ACMM Court against the Chief Secretary to the state government, Secretary to Home Department and also the Bengaluru City Police Commissioner for allegedly disrespecting the Tricolour.

Quoting the Flag Code of India, Chethan in his complaint has questioned draping Pravthamma Rajkumar's body with Tricolour. As per the Flag Code of India, "The Flag shall not be used as a drapery in any form whatsoever except in State/Military/Central Paramilitary Forces funeral hereinafter provided. Also, the Flag shall not be draped over the hood, top, sides or back of a vehicle, train or boat." In fact, draping the Tricolour in a civilian funeral is categorised under the Prevention of Insults to the National Honour Act of 1971.

Parvathamma Rajkumar passed away on Wednesday after a prolonged illness. She was laid to rest next to her husband and matinee idol Dr Rajkumar's grave at the Raj Memorial in Kanteerava Studio. Parvathamma was buried with full state honours.