A complaint has been filed against Hardik Pandya alleging disrespect to the Indian national flag during celebrations following India’s victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The complaint was lodged in Pune by advocate Wajid Khan at the Shivaji Nagar Police Station.
According to the complainant, the incident took place during the post-match celebrations at Narendra Modi Stadium on March 8 after India secured the T20 World Cup title. Khan has alleged that the Indian all-rounder was seen celebrating while draped in the tricolour and later lying down with his girlfriend while the flag remained wrapped around him.
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Khan claimed that such an act amounts to disrespect toward the national flag and violates provisions related to maintaining the dignity of the tricolour. Speaking to ANI, he said that the cricketer appeared to be celebrating with his girlfriend while the flag was tied around his back and that lying down in that manner while wearing the flag could be interpreted as an insult.
Complaint seeks legal action
The advocate said the complaint has been filed under provisions related to the respect of the national flag, referring to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act. He argued that citizens are expected to uphold the dignity of the flag at all times.
“When I went to file the complaint, the police initially said the incident had occurred elsewhere. However, I told them that the national flag represents the entire nation and that the complaint could be registered here as well,” Khan said. He added that the police accepted the complaint and provided him with an acknowledgement copy.
Khan has urged authorities to examine videos from the celebrations and take appropriate action if any violation of the law is established. The visuals circulating online reportedly show Pandya celebrating with the tricolour during the victory festivities.
As of now, there has been no official response from Pandya or the Board of Control for Cricket in India regarding the complaint. Police are yet to confirm whether a formal case will be registered following the submission of the complaint.
