India, Aug. 11 -- The Union Home Ministry directed all the states and Union territories on Monday to adhere to the Flag Code, underlining that while flags made of paper may be waved by the public on occasions of important national, cultural and sports events, those should not be discarded or thrown on the ground after the events.

In a communique to the chief secretaries of all the states and Union territories, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said a perceptible lack of awareness is often noticed amongst people as well as organisations and agencies of the government with regard to laws, practices and conventions that apply to the display of the national flag.

"I am directed to say that the Indian National Flag represents hopes an...