Republic Day 2022: E-commerce site Amazon on Monday faced the ire of a section of social media users for allegedly insulting the Indian tricolor. Amazon has faced criticism from a section of Indian social media users for selling certain products, including apparel and food items, that have images of the Indian flag. People are constantly demanding strict action against Amazon on social media.
Some of them said that using the tricolor in this way was an insult and violation of the flag code of the country. However, Amazon said in a statement issued late in the evening that it is committed to taking necessary action against sellers who have listed any non-compliant products.
Social media users shared pictures of items such as apparel, cups, keychains and chocolates on Amazon’s website that have the tricolour’s images or imprints on them and demanded a ban on these items. When contacted, Amazon told PTI that Amazon.in is an online marketplace where third party sellers offer products for sale directly to customers and as such they are responsible for ensuring compliance with the sale of these products.
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The company said that it is important for us to ensure that all products offered in the market comply with applicable laws and take appropriate action on non-compliance consistently. Amazon is committed to taking necessary action against sellers who list a non-compliant product. Some social media users said that using the tricolor on the products is against the Flag Code of India, 2002.
A section of social media users said such use was an insult to the national flag, while others said it was a cheap way to increase sales and would not increase the patriotism of Indian citizens. According to the Code, the flag shall not be used as part of any type of dress or uniform. It will not be printed on pillows, handkerchiefs, napkins or boxes.
It is worth noting that this is not the first time that Amazon is facing such outrage. In 2017, Amazon had to remove Indian flag ‘doormats’ listed on its Canadian website following strong protests from India. Hashtags like #AmazonInsultsNationalFlag are trending on Twitter.
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