Karnataka: Congress Banner in Belagavi Shows Wrong Map of India
A controversy broke out when the Karnataka BJP shared photos of Congress banners with a distorted map excluding PoK and Aksai Chin.
In a shocking development, the Karnataka BJP’s official X (Twitter) handle shared photos of Congress banners in Belagavi, Karnataka, on December 26, 2024, showing a distorted map of India. The map on these banners did not include Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Aksai Chin, parts of India that are claimed by the country. This error changed the appearance of the already controversial northernmost union territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
Reports suggest that these banners were put up for a Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting marking the 100th anniversary of Congress's 1924 Belagavi session, which was presided over by Mahatma Gandhi.
The Karnataka BJP quickly reacted, accusing Congress of disrespecting India's sovereignty. They tagged the Karnataka Congress’s official handle and called the act shameful. The BJP also claimed that this was done to “appease their vote bank,” and went as far as calling it an act of treason. They said Congress was ready to "do anything for personal gain" and to follow a politics of appeasement.
BJP leaders also urged Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to take immediate action and remove the banners. They demanded strict punishment for those responsible. In a press conference, BJP leader Sudhanshu Trivedi said it was "alarming and unfortunate" that Congress was violating its oath to protect India's unity and integrity. He also accused Congress of working with US investor George Soros to destabilize the country. Trivedi stated that Congress's action of altering maps was part of Soros’s anti-India plans.
Since early 2023, the BJP has accused Soros of funding Congress and other critics of Prime Minister Modi to weaken the government. The BJP has also claimed that the loss of Hindu majority votes in the recent Lok Sabha election may have been influenced by this connection.
Legal Consequences for Misuse of India's Map and Symbols
It's important to note that showing a wrong or misleading map of India is a serious offense. According to the India Map Act, Criminal Law Amendment Act of 1990, and the Geospatial Information Regulation Bill 2016, displaying an incorrect map can lead to a fine of up to Rs 100 crore or imprisonment for six months to seven years.
In addition, the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 makes it a crime to disrespect the Indian flag, map, constitution, or national symbols. Offenders can face fines and/or up to three years of imprisonment for actions like burning or defiling these symbols.
The Emblem of India (Prohibition of Improper Use) Act of 2005 and Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act of 1950 prohibit the improper use of India's national emblem, the President’s and Prime Minister’s photographs, or their names. Misusing these for commercial purposes can lead to fines of up to Rs 5 lakh or jail time.
Who Can and Cannot Use India's National Emblems and Symbols
Who Can Use:
- Government officials like the President, Vice-President, Prime Minister, and Union Ministers
- MPs, MLAs, judges, and Indian diplomats
- Armed forces and police officers
Who Cannot Use:
- Former or retired government officials
- Public institutions, NGOs, and private companies
- Individuals or companies using national symbols for business or as trademarks
The Home Ministry enforces the State Emblem of India Act, while the Consumer Affairs Department is responsible for the Emblems and Names Act. The government is planning to merge these acts and increase the penalties and jail time for offenders.
Be Careful with National Symbols
The government has warned citizens, especially graphic designers, to avoid misusing or disrespecting the Indian flag, map, constitution, national emblem, or the photographs and names of the President and Prime Minister. Violating these rules can lead to serious legal consequences, including jail time and heavy fines.
