India’s T20 World Cup triumph has taken an unexpected legal turn for star all-rounder Hardik Pandya. A Pune-based advocate, Wajid Khan, has filed a formal complaint at the Shivaji Nagar police station, seeking an FIR against the cricketer for allegedly “insulting” the Indian national flag. The controversy stems from viral videos of the celebrations at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, where India defeated New Zealand to clinch their third title. The complainant alleges that Hardik disrespected the Tricolour by wrapping it around his body while lying down on the victory stage and dancing intimately with his girlfriend, Mahieka Sharma.
According to the complaint, these actions violate the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, which mandates strict respect for the dignity of the flag. While the stadium was erupting in joy after the historic win, the lawyer argues that being “lost in celebration” is no excuse for what he describes as “obscene behavior” with a national symbol. While many fans have come to Hardik’s defense, calling it a moment of pure emotion, the police have officially accepted the application and are now deciding on the next legal steps.
