Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: A complaint has been filed against Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya alleging disrespect to the national flag during celebrations after India’s victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The complaint was submitted by advocate Wajid Khan Bidkar at the Shivaji Nagar police station, accusing the all-rounder of insulting the Tricolour during the team’s on-field celebrations following the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium.According to the complaint, several videos from the victory celebrations went viral on social media, showing Pandya celebrating with the national flag draped over his shoulder. The complainant alleged that during the celebrations the cricketer was seen dancing and later lying down on the stage with the flag still wrapped around him.Khan has argued that the act amounts to disrespect towards the national flag and violates provisions of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.“You must have seen the T20 World Cup celebrations. Hardik Pandya was dancing with his girlfriend in celebration of his victory. The national flag was tied to his back,” Khan told ANI.“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 that he was lying with his girlfriend while wearing the national flag. I believe it is an insult to the national flag,” he added.Khan said he initially faced questions from the police about jurisdiction since the incident occurred in Ahmedabad. However, he insisted that a complaint could still be filed as the national flag represents the entire country.“When I went to file the complaint, they told me the incident occurred there, not here. I told them the national flag is a symbol of the entire nation, and we can file a complaint here. They have accepted my complaint and given me a copy,” he said.A police officer at the Shivaji Nagar station confirmed that the application had been received but did not provide further details on possible action.The complaint comes after India’s dominant win over New Zealand national cricket team in the final on Sunday. India defeated New Zealand by 96 runs to successfully defend their T20 World Cup title.The victory also marked a historic milestone for India national cricket team. The team became the first side to win the T20 World Cup on home soil, the first to secure consecutive titles after their 2024 triumph, and the first nation to lift the trophy three times, having previously won in 2007 and 2024.
