1 week ago
Urvashi Rautela’s Tricolour Gown Sparks Debate Over Flag Law
Urvashi Rautela wore a gown inspired by the colours and symbols of India’s flag.
The dress used saffron, white and green sections and had a wheel resembling the Ashoka Chakra.
Part of the gown appeared to trail along the floor.
Some people online said this might disrespect the National Flag.
One lawyer said the outfit raises a possible legal issue but that photographs alone cannot prove a crime.
Another lawyer said the gown looked substantially like a representation of the flag.
The law treats wearing the flag below the waist or allowing it to touch the ground as potentially disrespectful.
Experts also said that wearing national colours is different from using the actual flag as clothing.
Kaziah Liz Mejo won the pageant and will represent India at the next Miss Universe competition.
Urvashi Rautela wore a saffron, white and green gown with an Ashoka Chakra-inspired wheel at the Miss Universe India finale.
The floor-sweeping outfit was designed by Dasha and reportedly took three months to create.
Legal experts said the gown could raise questions under Section 2 of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.
Experts differed on whether the design legally represents the National Flag and whether criminal intent could be established from photographs alone.
Kaziah Liz Mejo of Kerala won Miss Universe India 2026 and is scheduled to represent India in Puerto Rico in November.
- Who
- Model and actor Urvashi Rautela, legal experts Dr Farrukh Khan and Vikas Pahwa, and winner Kaziah Liz Mejo.
- What
- Rautela’s Tiranga-inspired gown prompted debate over whether it violated laws protecting the dignity of India’s National Flag.
- Where
- The finale took place in Jaipur, India, while the next Miss Universe pageant is scheduled in Puerto Rico.
- When
- At the 2026 Miss Universe India finale, held on a Sunday; Mejo is scheduled to compete in November.
- Why
- The gown used the Tricolour’s arrangement and an Ashoka Chakra-inspired wheel, with its lower section appearing to trail on the floor.
Potential legal concern
Not automatically an offence
Does the gown represent the National Flag?
Potential legal concern
Vikas Pahwa said the gown was, in substance, a reproduction or representation of the Indian National Flag, making its use as clothing a serious legal issue.
Not automatically an offence
Dr Farrukh Khan said an offence cannot be conclusively established from photographs alone; the precise design must be assessed to determine whether it qualifies as a flag representation.
Effect of the train touching the floor
Potential legal concern
Pahwa said the lower portion trailing on the floor was difficult to reconcile with the dignity and honour required for the National Flag.
Not automatically an offence
Khan said the legal consequences would still depend on whether the gown is treated as a representation of the flag and whether the required intention is proven.
Patriotism through fashion
Potential legal concern
Critics and the legal concern focus on the distinction between wearing national colours and turning the National Flag itself into a garment.
Not automatically an offence
The articles state that expressing patriotism through fashion is not inherently improper, provided the actual National Flag is treated with dignity.
Key facts
- Outfit designer
- An international designer identified as Dasha created the gown over three months.
- Outfit design
- The strapless corset gown featured saffron or orange and green panels, white embellished fabric, beading and an Ashoka Chakra-inspired wheel.
- Legal provision
- The debate focused on Section 2 of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.
- Legal uncertainty
- Experts differed on whether the gown qualifies as a representation of the National Flag and whether the required intent could be proven.
- Flag guidance
- The articles say the National Flag cannot be used as clothing below the waist or allowed to touch the ground; wearing national colours in respectful clothing is permitted.
- Pageant winner
- Kaziah Liz Mejo of Kerala won Miss Universe India 2026 from 52 contestants.
- Other results
- Vaishnavi Gannesh was first runner-up, while Anushri Satavlekar won the Miss International India 2026 title as second runner-up.
- Past controversies
- The articles cite earlier controversies involving Mandira Bedi’s flag-printed saree and designer Malini Ramani’s tricolour dress.
Quotes
Ministry of Culture
Indian government ministry responsible for the cited flag-use reminder
“The Act not only covers a visible representation of the National Flag and specifically treats its use as part of a costume below the waist as disrespect, but also further prohibits intentionally allowing the Flag to touch the ground or floor.”
indianexpress.com
“The National Flag cannot be used as part of clothing such as a costume, uniform, napkins, etc... Respect for the #NationalFlag is a reflection of our national pride.”
wionews.com
Puneet Nanda
Designer of Mandira Bedi’s 2007 World Cup saree
“In particular, where the lower portion of what appears to be the Flag is trailing on the floor, it is difficult to reconcile that manner of presentation with the statutory requirement of dignity and honour attached to our National Flag.”
indianexpress.com
“I didn’t think our flag would end up near Bedi’s foot. I am sorry.”
wionews.com
Urvashi Rautela
Model, actress, and Miss Universe India pageant judge
“Today is a very special day, and I’m wearing saffron and green, as you can see. It is created by an international designer called Dasha, and it took her three months to create this beautiful outfit.”
wionews.com
indianexpress.com
Sources
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