A Pune-based lawyer has filed a complaint for legal action against Hardik Pandya for allegedly disrespecting the Indian national flag during India’s celebrations after winning the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The complainant urged the police to register an FIR over the alleged incident.
The complaint was filed by advocate Wajid Khan at the Shivaji Nagar police station. The lawyer claimed that Pandya wrapped the tricolor while celebrating on the field with his girlfriend Mahieka Sharma after India beat New Zealand in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday. Speaking to ANI, Khan said that the act amounted to disrespecting the national flag.
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“You must have seen the T20 World Cup here. Hardik Pandya danced with his girlfriend to celebrate his victory. He had the national flag tied on his back…According to Section 2 of the National Flag Act, 1971, we should respect the dignity of the national flag. However, Hardik Pandya was so lost in celebrating his victory that he lied on the national flag with his girlfriend. he said.
“I filed a complaint at the Shivaji Nagar police station. When I went to file a complaint, they told me that the incident happened 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 Shivaji Nagar police. They accepted my complaint and gave me a copy. Let’s see what happens next. I filed a complaint,” he added.
HARDIK’S WC T20 CELEBRATION BRINGS UP CONTROVERSY
The controversy surfaced after India’s dramatic World T20 win over New Zealand sparked emotional celebrations at the ground in Ahmedabad.
During the post-match celebrations, a video doing the rounds on social media showed Pandya celebrating with Mahieka Sharma as the Indian team soaked up the historic triumph. In several clips, the couple was seen dancing, posing with the trophy and sharing emotional moments amid the celebrations.
One viral video also showed the couple lying together on stage during the ceremony as players and staff continued to celebrate around them.
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The clip quickly drew mixed reactions online. While some fans described the moment as a harmless celebration after a long and intense tournament, others felt that the victory stage should have been treated with more formality.
In his complaint, Khan alleged that Pandya had wrapped the tricolor around his body during the celebrations, engaging in conduct that he said undermined the dignity of the national flag. The lawyer urged the police to investigate the matter under laws regarding respect for the national flag and take appropriate legal action.
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Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
12 March 2026 08:42 IST
