On Thursday (December 26), India lost one of its finest leaders as former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh passed away at AIIMS, Delhi.
He was 92.
Dr Singh, who made significant contributions to the political and economic landscape of the nation, passed away from age-related health problems.
Reflecting the nation’s unity in mourning, the Union government has declared a seven-day mourning in his honour.
The former PM’s last rites will be conducted with full state honours.
The seven-day mourning period
A seven-day period of mourning is only declared upon the passing of a former prime minister, per official protocol.
A Union Home Ministry message reads the mourning period will be observed from December 26, 2024, to January 1, 2025, both days inclusive.
The Flag Code of India states that “the National Flag will be half-masted” on all buildings where it is flown on a regular basis “in the event of the death of the following dignitaries.”
The Home Ministry message also added that the “national flag shall also fly half-mast on the day of funeral in all Indian missions and High Commissions of India abroad.”
According to media reports, any government events planned for Friday will be cancelled, and there will not be any official entertainment over those days.
The Union Cabinet will meet on Friday at 11 am.
Content retrieved from: https://www.firstpost.com/explainers/manmohan-singh-demise-7-day-mourning-13847860.html.
