IND vs NZ T20 World Cup 2026 Final: A lawyer in Pune has filed a complaint seeking legal action against India's star all-rounder Hardik Pandya for allegedly disrespecting the national flag during celebrations after India's T20 World Cup win. The lawyer requested that the police file an FIR for the incident.
Advocate Wajid Khan submitted the complaint to Shivaji Nagar Police Station, emphasizing that Pandya was wrapped in the Indian flag while celebrating with girlfriend Mahieka Sharma after the Suryakumar Yadav-led side defeated New Zealand in Ahmedabad. Khan told ANI that he considered this act disrespectful to the flag.
"You must have seen the T20 World Cup here. Hardik Pandya was dancing with his girlfriend in celebration of his victory. The national flag was tied to his back...According to Section 2 of the 1971 National Flag Act, we should respect the dignity of the national flag. However, Hardik Pandya was so lost in the celebration of his victory that he was lying with his girlfriend, wearing the national flag. I believe it is an insult to the national flag," Khan was quoted as saying to ANI.
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"I have filed a complaint with the Shivaji Nagar police station. When I went to file the complaint, they told me the incident occurred there, not here. So I told them that the national flag is a symbol of the entire nation, and we can file a complaint with the Shivaji Nagar police. They have accepted my complaint and provided me with a copy. Let's see what happens next. I have filed the complaint," he said.
HARDIK'S T20 WC CELEBRATIONS STIR CONTROVERSY
This controversy caught everyone's attention post the Men in Blue's win against New Zealand, which led to emotional celebrations on the ground at the Narendra Modi stadium.
The videos of the post-match celebration went viral on social media, showing Pandya celebrating with his girlfriend, Mahieka Sharma. In one of the videos, they were seen dancing, getting clicked with the trophy, and sharing emotional moments while celebrating.
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In another video, the couple lay together on the stage during the post-match presentation ceremony. Other players and the coaching staff continued celebrating.
Watch the video here:
This viral video received mixed reactions on social media. Some fans called it a harmless celebration after a hectic tournament. Others felt the stage area should be treated with more respect.
In his complaint, Khan stated that Pandya had the national flag wrapped around his body while celebrating, which Khan found disrespectful. He urged police to treat the matter seriously as it concerns the dignity of the national flag and to take appropriate action.