Urvashi Rautela's Tiranga-Inspired Gown Sparks Backlash, Netizens Say, 'Insult To Our National Flag'
Urvashi Rautela's tricolour gown at the Miss Universe India 2026 finale was meant to be a patriotic fashion statement, but its Ashoka Chakra-inspired detail and floor-length train have sparked debate.
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Add BollywoodShaadis on GoogleUrvashi Rautela has been dominating headlines for the past 24 hours, especially for her dramatic fashion moment at the Miss Universe India 2026 finale. The actress and former beauty queen appeared at the event in Jaipur wearing a striking couture gown inspired by India's national colours. The outfit featured saffron, white and green panels, intricate embellishments and an Ashoka Chakra-inspired design at the waist.
However, what was intended as a patriotic fashion statement quickly became a subject of controversy online. It seems not everyone is on board with the idea.
Urvashi Rautela's gown for Miss Universe India took 3 months to make, but it sparked legal backlash
Urvashi served as a judge at the event, and speaking about her striking gown, said it took three months to create and was designed by international designer Dasha. Speaking about the outfit, she said it was particularly meaningful because of the occasion. She told reporters, "Today is a very special day, and I’m wearing saffron and green," adding that she was "so happy to wear this gown at the Miss Universe India finale as a judge."
While it wasn't intended to be disrespectful, the gown has drawn immense criticism from fans and legal experts. The biggest debate centers on whether the gown crossed the line between being inspired by the Tricolour and appearing to reproduce the Indian national flag as clothing. The gown's design incorporated the three national colours and an Ashoka Chakra-inspired motif, while part of the garment extended toward the floor.
Some legal experts cited in reports have suggested that the outfit could raise questions under Section 2 of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, although they stressed that photographs alone aren't enough to establish that an offence has occurred. Advocate Dr Farrukh Khan said the question would depend on whether the garment is legally considered a representation of the national flag and whether the required intent is present. He told the Indian Express:
"The Act not only covers a visible representation of the National Flag and specifically treats its use as part of a costume below the waist as disrespect, but also further prohibits intentionally allowing the Flag to touch the ground or floor... Therefore, while the outfit certainly raises a legally arguable issue under the Act, whether an offence is ultimately made out would depend upon the precise design, whether it qualifies as a representation of the National Flag, and the requisite intent."
Senior Supreme Court advocate Vikas Pahwa similarly argued that there is an important distinction between drawing inspiration from the Tricolour and using the flag itself as clothing. Pahwa said, "There is nothing wrong with expressing patriotism through fashion," emphasising that the national flag must be treated with dignity.
The outfit quickly triggered a wave of reactions on social media as well, with some users questioning whether the Tricolour should be incorporated into a gown at all. One X (formerly Twitter) user wrote, “The Tiranga (Indian National Flag) is never worn below the waist.” Another commented, “This is inappropriate fashion and an insult to our National Flag. Patriotism should be from the heart and not by disrespecting our Tricolour.” A third user took a more measured view, writing, “Flag as fashion can feel off to me, but patriotism matters.”
However, not everyone feels so. One supporter defended the look, saying, “Proudly carrying the tricolour with grace—patriotism can be beautiful when done with respect.” A second supporter commented, "Yes, I think so...it's a decent dress not a flag exactly! A dress with Indian colours...we need more of these tbh. Look at America or England; they have so many flag accessories based on colours...she's not demeaning it, so yes, acceptable representation!!"
Urvashi Rautela's gown moment came on a big night for Miss Universe India 2026
The controversy unfolded during an important night for Indian pageantry. Kaziah Liz Mejo of Kerala was crowned Miss Universe India 2026 after competing against 52 contestants. Tamil Nadu's Vaishnavi Gannesh was named first runner-up, while Gujarat's Anushri Satavlekar finished as second runner-up and was also crowned Miss International India 2026.
Mejo will represent India at the 75th Miss Universe competition in Puerto Rico in November 2026. The judging panel included India's first Miss Universe, Sushmita Sen, Rautela, Miss Universe India 2024 Rhea Singha, environmentalist and producer Pragya Kapoor, and former Miss India Universe and Miss Universe runner-up Celina Jaitly.
What are your thoughts on Urvashi Rautela's couture moment at the Miss Universe India 2026?
Image courtesy: Instagram
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