PATNA, March 21 -- The Indian national flag was found flying in a torn condition at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Patna, an institute of national importance (INI) on Friday, triggering concerns over adherence to statutory provisions governing the display of the tricolour at public institutions. The visibly tattered tricolour continued to fly atop a monumental flagpole - designed for continuous, day-and-night display of large national flags - in front of the administrative building of the premier healthcare institute until the issue came to light after the Hindustan Times photographed it on Friday. Subsequently, the damaged flag was pulled down around 4:45pm the same day. The damaged tricolour was seen in front of the institute's administrative building, which houses the offices of the executive director (Brig) Dr Raju Agarwal and deputy director (administration) Nilotpal Bal, and also accommodates lecture theatres for academic classes of MBBS students. The incident assumes significance in light of the Flag Code of India, which clearly mandates that the national flag "shall not be displayed in a damaged or dishevelled condition," and authorities are required to ensure its dignified upkeep at all times. The code, which consolidates laws, conventions and practices related to the display of the national flag, is binding on all government bodies, including Central institutions. Further, the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act stipulates that disrespect towards the national flag, including improper display, can result in penalties, including fines and imprisonment up to three years. "The episode has raised questions about institutional accountability and the need for stricter compliance with protocols governing the dignity of national symbols, particularly at Centrally funded institutions entrusted with upholding public standards," said Rupesh Singh, a visitor to AIIMS on Friday. Officials at AIIMS-Patna could not be reached for immediate comment on the lapse. Repeated attempts to contact (Brig) Dr Raju Agarwal, executive director of the institute and Nilotpal Bal, deputy director, proved unsuccessful as calls and text messages went unanswered....