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By:

Quaid Najmi

4 January 2025 at 3:26:24 pm

President takes prompt cognizance

Mumbai: President Droupadi Murmu has taken immediate cognizance of a plea pointing at grave insults to the Indian Tricolour (Tiranga) in pubs and hotels, violations to the Flag Code of India, 2002, in the name of celebrating Republic Day and Independence Day. Pune businessman-cum-activist Prafful Sarda had shot off a complaint to the President on Jan. 26 but was surprised to receive a response from her office in less than 72 hours. Under Secretary Lakshmi Maharabooshanam in the President’s...

President takes prompt cognizance

Mumbai: President Droupadi Murmu has taken immediate cognizance of a plea pointing at grave insults to the Indian Tricolour (Tiranga) in pubs and hotels, violations to the Flag Code of India, 2002, in the name of celebrating Republic Day and Independence Day. Pune businessman-cum-activist Prafful Sarda had shot off a complaint to the President on Jan. 26 but was surprised to receive a response from her office in less than 72 hours. Under Secretary Lakshmi Maharabooshanam in the President’s Secretariat at Rashtrapati Bhavan, replied to Sarda on forwarding his complaint to the Ministry of Home Affairs for necessary action. It further stated that action taken in the matter must be conveyed directly to Sarda. “It’s a pleasant surprise indeed that the President has taken serious note of the issue of insults to the National Flag at night-clubs, pubs, lounges, sports bars and other places all over the country. The blatant mishandling of the National Flag also violates the specially laid-down provisions of the Flag Code of India,” said Sarda. He pointed out that the Tricolor is a sacred symbol and not a ‘commercial prop’ for entertainment purposes to be used by artists without disregard for the rules. “There are multiple videos, reels or photos available on social media… It's painful to view how the National Flag is being grossly misused, disrespected and even displayed at late nights or early morning hours, flouting the rules,” Sarda said. The more worrisome aspect is that such transgressions are occurring openly, repeatedly and apparently without any apprehensions for the potential consequences. This indicates serious lapses in the enforcement and supervision, but such unchecked abuse could portend dangerous signals that national symbols can be ‘trivialized and traded for profits’. He urged the President to direct the issue of stringent written guidelines with circular to all such private or commercial outlets on mandatory compliance with the Flag Code of India, conduct special awareness drives, surprise checks on such venues and regular inspections to curb the misuse of the Tricolour. Flag Code of India, 2002 Perturbed over the “perceptible lack of awareness” not only among the masses but also governmental agencies with regard to the laws, practices and conventions for displaying the National Flag as per the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950 and the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, the centre had brought out the detailed 25-page Flag Code of India, 2002. The Flag Code of India has minute guidelines on the display of the Tricolour, the happy occasions when it flies high, or the sad times when it is at half-mast, the privileged dignitaries who are entitled to display it on their vehicles, etc. Certain violations attract hefty fines and/or imprisonment till three years.

Forensic Facial Reconstruction: Bridging Science and Identity

Reconstructing faces, uncovering identities, and solving mysteries through a fusion of science, technology, and art.

Forensic Facial Reconstruction (FFR) is a process that aims to recover the morphology of a face at the moment before death by observing the cranium. It’s a recognition system that allows direct examinations for primary styles of personal identification. It is a combination of science, technology, and artistry that is essential in forensic investigations, archaeology, and medicine. Whether recovering a victim's identity, rebuilding ancient faces, or assisting in medical treatments, this field evolves advanced technology, providing hope and solutions in different fields.


Facial reconstruction has a lengthy history stretching back to ancient civilisations. Early pioneers of contemporary plastic surgery were Sushruta, Al-Bucasis, and Gaspare Tagliacozzi. Surgical techniques evolved greatly over the 18th and 19th centuries, with Joseph Carpue completing the first major rhinoplasty treatment in the Western world in 1814. Wilhelm His performed the first craniofacial surgery. In the early 1900s, in 1895, surgical technology and procedures advanced quickly in the middle of the 20th century. The care of troops with serious face injuries during World War I prompted advancements in surgical procedures, which in turn led the way in the modern age of facial reconstruction. Cutting-edge techniques like skin grafts and flap operations were invented by surgeons like Sir Harold Gillies. More accurate reconstructions are now possible thanks to the field's integration of several technologies.


The use of facial reconstruction helped law enforcement create a composite sketch that led to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator. Artificial intelligence has converted forensic facial reconstruction by automating and improving the procedure. Machine literacy algorithms estimate bone structures to predict face traits more quickly and directly. Likewise, it was designed to anticipate surgical results, thus enhancing preoperative planning and case care. Technologies like Augmented reality (AR), IDEMIA, and INTERPOL’s biometric pattern created an automated software tool that analyses facial features and outlines using cutting-edge technologies like 3D printing, digital sculpting, CT scanning, MRI integration, deep literacy, neural networks and stoked reality technology. AI also plays an important part in age progression and regression analysis, which helps in long-term missing person instances. Furthermore, AI-powered systems aid in recreating faces from fragmented remnants or damaged characteristics. Violent crimes resulting in significant face injuries necessitate sophisticated facial reconstruction therapies, as demonstrated in the January 2025 gang-related attack and star Saif Ali Khan's home incident, when facial recognition identified the perpetrator. Other prominent cases included Sheena Bora's 2012 case, where 2D facial reconstruction was used. In 2023, officials employed face reconstruction to identify a rotting body at Worli Sea Face. Another noteworthy case is Ram Lochan Ahir v. State of West Bengal, in which the court affirmed the trustworthiness of using a superimposed skull to prove identification. King Richard III's facial reconstruction is one of the most well-known examples of forensic facial approximation in 2012.


Facial reconstruction stands at the forefront of forensic science, bridging the gap between skeletal remains and identifiable individuals. Globally, experts such as Dr. Chris Rynn have contributed significantly to the field. Since 2018, KEM Hospital in Mumbai has been at the forefront of forensic face restoration. Sherlock Institute of Forensic Science (SIFS) in India has a dedicated Forensic Facial Imaging Laboratory. Their skilled forensic artists perform facial reconstructions using software to provide insights into age, sex, and ancestry. Dr. Caroline Wilkinson, a renowned facial anthropologist, oversaw the reconstruction process at the University of Dundee. Dr. Murugaiyan Amirthalingam and Dr. Karthik Balaji have developed methods for designing and manufacturing personalised 3D-printed facial implants, a product developed by Zoriox Innovation Labs.


Forensic Facial Reconstruction continues to evolve, merging cutting-edge technology with scientific expertise to reveal identities and preserve history. From aiding law enforcement in solving crimes to reconstructing historical figures and advancing medical applications, this field remains indispensable. As AI-driven tools and 3D imaging enhance accuracy, the future of forensic facial reconstruction promises even greater precision and impact, ensuring that every face—whether lost to time or tragedy—can be recognised and remembered.


(Dr. Kumar is a retired IPS officer and forensic advisor to the Assam government. Phukan is a student of National University of Forensic Science, Guwahati.)

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