The National Flag of India (Facebook/Flag of India)
The National Flag of India (Facebook/Flag of India)

Mass outrage gripped India after it emerged that a Chinese company has launched its products with a cover box that has an Indian national flag around it. The incident came to light after a local newspaper in Himachal Pradesh found the Chinese shoe company selling its ware in boxes bearing the Indian Tricolour.

The police in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh have arrested a shopkeeper.

Business Standard reported that the local police have imposed a ban in the area preventing all shopkeepers from selling Chinese products that demean the Indian flag.

Additional superintendent of police, Kangra, Shiv Kumar told BS that the police have confiscated the 'objectionable' boxes and is investigating the matter. "Prima facie it was found that 'Made in China' was written on shoes and investigation is on in every aspect," Kumar said

As India's Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, desecration of or insult to the country's national symbols, including the National Flag, Constitution, and the National Anthem is a punishable offence with imprisonment for a term of up to three years and/or a fine.

Twitter Reaction

Gowtham Sidharth ‏@sidharthancrt 

Feeling rage to see Indian flag on shoe box made by Chinese. #chinaProduct #indian

manoj jacob ‏@twitface27 

Shoe boxes with the indian flag designed by a Chinese company... Wow... Awaiting the resultant brouhaha...