The police have registered a case against Calicut University in Kerala [Images] for showing "disrespect" to the national flag, which was hoisted "upside down" on Independence Day yesterday.

The case, registered under Section 2 of Prevention of Insult to National Honour Act 1971, was based on a complaint from the pro-Congress Kerala Students Union, represented by campus unit president A Aboobacker, the police said.

The complainant said the tricolour was hoisted upside down by university vice-chancellor Anwar Jahan Zuberi in front of the administrative block at Tenhipalam in the district.

However, university authorities, when contacted, said soon after the mistake was noticed, the flag was hoisted correctly.

Tendering apologies for the "inadvertent mistake", Zuberi gave an assurance that action would be taken against those responsible for it.

The security officer had been asked to submit a report and there was no intention to dishonour the flag, she said.

The Muslim Youth League has also sought action against the university.