Pune Lawyer Files a Complaint Against Hardik Pandya for Disrespecting Indian Flag After World Cup Win

Beyond his national flag and talk-show controversies, Hardik Pandya faced a 4.3 crore fraud committed by his step-brother, Vaibhav Pandya.

Pune Lawyer Files a Complaint Against Hardik Pandya for Disrespecting Indian Flag After World Cup Win

Hardik Pandya has been accused of disrespecting the Indian national flag by a Pune-based lawyer. (via India Today)

In Short
  • A Pune lawyer has filed a complaint against Hardik Pandya for allegedly disrespecting the Indian flag during post-match celebrations after the 2026 T20 World Cup.
  • The complaint claims Pandya was seen draped in the flag while engaging in inappropriate behavior with his girlfriend, violating the 1971 National Flag Act.
  • If legal proceedings proceed, Pandya could face up to three years in prison or a fine for the alleged offense.

Hardik Pandya seems to have fallen into trouble after a Pune-based lawyer filed a complaint against the veteran Indian all-rounder for ‘disrespecting’ the national flag. It pertains to the Men in Blues’ on-field celebrations after winning the 2026 T20 World Cup. 

India’s 2026 T20 World Cup triumph was delightful for many, including Hardik Pandya, who has now won three major ICC tournaments with the team. The 32-year-old played a pivotal role in the victory, earning the POTM award against Namibia and Zimbabwe. He scored 217 runs in nine innings at an average of 27.13 during the campaign, and took nine scalps at a decent economy rate of 8.82 with the ball. 

Pandya, however, has faced legal trouble over the years, beginning with his controversial ‘Koffee with Karan’ remarks in 2019. In a fresh jolt, a Pune-based advocate has filed a complaint against him at the city’s Shivaji Nagar Police Station. The lawyer, named Wajid Khan, has accused Pandya of disrespecting the Indian national flag during on-field festivities after the 2026 T20 World Cup final in Ahmedabad.

Wajid Khan has reportedly called on the police to register an FIR over the incident. Khan alleged that videos showed the all-rounder had the flag draped over his shoulders during the post-match festivities, and that he even danced and ran around the field in that manner. He also mentioned that after police initially said a complaint could not be filed because the incident happened in Ahmedabad, he countered by arguing that since the national flag represents the entire country, a case can be filed anywhere.

The primary point of contention, according to Khan, was Hardik Pandya engaging in ‘obscene behavior’ with his girlfriend Mahieka Sharma, while still draped in the tricolour. Pandya was seen lying down on the podium with his partner, which Khan defined as an ‘insult’ to the national flag.

He also explained that the 32-year-old’s actions are in clear violation of the 1971 National Flag Act, particularly Section 2 of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour, which mandates that the tricolour must be treated with dignity. Khan told ANI:

Hardik Pandya was dancing with his girlfriend in celebration of his victory. The national flag was tied to his back… He 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.

Nonetheless, Pandya may be required to appear in court if legal proceedings commence. If he and his girlfriend are convicted under the 1971 National Flag Act, they could face a penalty of up to three years in prison, a substantial fine, or both.

Pandya brothers rift? Rumors spark concern over Hardik and Krunal Pandya’s relationship

Rumors of a rift have emerged between siblings Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya, following India’s 2026 T20 World Cup victory. This speculation has worried fans and social media users, suggesting that the relationship between the two may be strained.

Krunal and Hardik Pandya rift
Hardik Pandya and his elder brother Krunal Pandya have reportedly been at loggerheads with each other. (via NDTV Sports)

The rumors gained traction immediately after India’s triumph, as fans were quick to notice that the elder Pandya had not publicly congratulated the younger Pandya. Krunal Pandya and his wife, Pankhuri Sharma, notably failed to post any congratulatory messages, something they had done following the 2024 T20 WC triumph. Furthermore, the entire family was conspicuously absent from the Narendra Modi Stadium.

Social media users also pointed to an anomaly that Krunal Pandya had not commented or liked any of his younger brother’s recent social media posts, which is a departure from their usual public display of support. It has ultimately led to speculations, with many suggesting that the two brothers have parted ways following the 32-year-old public announcement of his relationship with model Mahieka Sharma.

Krunal Pandya and his wife Pankhuri have also maintained a close relationship with Hardik’s ex-wife, Natasa Stankovic, and their son, Agastya, which might have led to a ‘loyalty split’. However, the Pandya family has yet to comment on any potential rift and has kept silent on social media.

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