What Charges Will Hardik Pandya Face After Insulting Indian Flag?

Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya legal trouble has stunned fans from around the globe after a lawyer from Pune claimed he showed disrespect to the national flag while celebrating India’s victory in the T20 World Cup 2026. The complainant, Wajid Khan, has asked the police to file an FIR regarding the incident mentioned in his formal complaint.

Complaint against Hardik Pandya claims that he wrapped the Indian flag around his body while celebrating on the ground with his girlfriend, Mahieka Sharma, after India defeated New Zealand by 96 runs in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. It also said the player was lying beside Mahieka while still wearing the flag during celebrations.

Khan explained that when he first approached the police, they told him the incident had happened somewhere else. However, he argued that the national flag represents the entire country, so the complaint could still be filed at the Shivaji Nagar police station. According to him, the police eventually accepted the complaint and gave him a copy, and now he is waiting to see what action will be taken next.

What Charges Will Hardik Pandya Face After Indian Flag Controversy?

While speaking to ANI, Wajid Khan said the action was disrespectful towards the national flag and confirmed that he had filed a complaint at the Shivaji Nagar Police Station in Pune.

The complaint clearly refers to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971. As stated in Section 2 of this law, any person who in a public place or any location visible to the public, burns, damages, defaces, dirties, distorts, destroys, steps on, or in any other way disrespects or insults the Indian National Flag (whether through spoken words, written statements, or actions) can face punishment under the law.

Although the police have received the complaint, an FIR has not been formally registered against one of the best allrounders in the world, Hardik Pandya. Officials are likely to review the video footage from the celebration before taking the next step.