NEW DELHI: The Government on Thursday told the Parliament that the issue of disrespect to the tricolour by e-commerce giant Amazon has been taken up at the highest levels and the action had the desired results.
The assurance came after members raised the issue during Zero Hour and expressed concern over the matter.
Members asked whether the government could impose a ban on sale of such products so as to stop disrespect to national emblems and if there were provisions to stop insult to religious sentiments. The members also asked if the Government contemplated action against such e-commerce platforms.
Minister of State for External Affairs M J Akbar said such things cannot be controlled as there is no international treaty on the issue. Akbar said action can be taken under two laws enacted in 1950 and 1971 to protect dishonour to national emblems.
"The incident occurred in two nations, Canada and United States. As soon as we got to know, our missions in Ottawa and Washington raised the issue at the highest possible level in every possible manner. The issue went up to the owner, the person who runs Amazon, Jeff Bezos. Action was taken by Amazon and I think at this moment, we can be assured that this would not be repeated. They (Amazon) have written to us as well," he said.
Tricolour doormats and slippers were earlier sold online by Amazon leading the Government to swing into action.