Hardik Pandya T20 World Cup controversy: Complaint filed over alleged national flag ‘insult’ | WATCH

Bengaluru: Indian star cricketer Hardik Pandya has landed in a legal soup following India’s historic T20 World Cup victory. A formal complaint has been filed at the Shivaji Nagar police station in Bengaluru, alleging that the all-rounder disrespected the Indian Tricolour during the post-match celebrations at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

The complaint was filed by Wajed Khan Bidkar, a Pune-based advocate, who claims that Pandya’s actions violated the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.

What are the allegations: Celebration or insult?

According to a report by ANI, the controversy stems from viral videos of the "Men in Blue" celebrating their third T20 World Cup title. Pandya was seen dancing and running across the field with the national flag draped over his shoulders and tied to his back.

The complainant alleges that Pandya was seen lying on the victory stage with his girlfriend while still wearing the Tricolour, which Bidkar claims undermines the dignity of the national symbol.

"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," Advocate Wajid Khan told reporters.

While the incident occurred in Ahmedabad, the complaint was filed in Bengaluru. Local authorities initially questioned the jurisdiction, but Khan argued that because the National Flag represents the entire country, a complaint can be lodged at any police station. The Shivaji Nagar police have officially accepted the complaint and provided a copy to the advocate.

The legal drama follows what was arguably the greatest night in Indian cricket history. On Sunday, India defeated New Zealand by 96 runs to achieve a series of unprecedented milestones:

• First team to win the T20 World Cup on home soil.
• First team to successfully defend the title (back-to-back wins in 2024 and 2026).
• First team to lift the trophy three times (2007, 2024, 2026).

Legal context: The flag code of India

The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act strictly prohibits using the Indian National Flag as a portion of costume or uniform of any description. It also forbids the flag from touching the ground or being used in a way that shows disrespect. If found guilty, such an offense can lead to a fine or imprisonment for up to three years.

Neither Hardik Pandya nor the BCCI has issued an official statement regarding the police complaint.