A complaint has been filed against Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya for allegedly disrespecting the Indian national flag during celebrations after India’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup victory.
The complaint was lodged by lawyer Wajid Khan at the Shivajinagar Police Station. In his written complaint, Khan alleged that Pandya wrapped the national flag around his body while celebrating the World Cup win with his friend Mahika Sharma, which he claims amounts to disrespecting the flag.
Speaking to Asian News International (ANI), Khan said that during the celebrations after the World Cup final, Pandya was seen hugging his friend and dancing with the national flag draped around his back. He argued that such actions violate the provisions of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, which mandates respect for the dignity of the national flag.
Khan further claimed that Pandya was so immersed in the celebrations that he even lay down on the ground while wearing the flag, which, according to him, amounted to an insult to the national symbol.
He also stated that when he first approached the police, they pointed out that the incident took place in Ahmedabad and not in Pune. However, Khan argued that the national flag represents the entire country, and therefore a complaint could be filed at the Shivajinagar Police Station. The police later accepted his complaint and provided him with an acknowledgment copy. The matter is now awaiting further action.
