Hardik Pandya likely to face legal action due to THIS reason ahead of IPL 2026
A Pune-based lawyer has filed a complaint against Hardik Pandya.
On March 8, India made history by winning the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The Men in Blue defeated New Zealand in the final to win the title for the third time. Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya played a key role in helping India win the title.
After winning the cup, Hardik Pandya was immersed in the joy of India’s victory. However, a Pune-based lawyer spoiled his victory celebrations. Advocate Wajid Khan Bidkar filed a complaint against Hardik at Shivaji Nagar police station in Pune this week.
He alleged that Pandya disrespected the national flag during India’s victory celebrations at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Hardik was seen celebrating with his girlfriend, Mahieka Sharma. During which he had the national flag tied on his back.
Khan has claimed in the application that an all-rounder was seen dancing on the field with the tricolor draped over his body, which he argues that it violates laws protecting the flag’s dignity. Khan has argued that the act amounts to disrespect to the national flag and violates the provisions of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.
“According to Section 2 of the 1971 National Flag Act, we should respect the dignity of the national flag. However, Hardik was so lost in the celebration of his victory that he was lying with his girlfriend while wearing the national flag. I believe it is an insult to the national flag,” Khan said to ANI
Officers have accepted the complaint and issued an acknowledgment copy but have not commented on whether a formal case will be registered or not. “It is the duty of every citizen to respect the national flag,” the complaint read.
Second title, fresh trouble
The controversy trails what was, by any measure, Pandya’s tournament. The 32-year-old scored two half-centuries and also claimed 9 wickets while earning a place in the ICC’s Team of the Tournament.
It was a personal moment for India’s all-rounder, who was also one of the star of the show in the final at Barbados against South Africa.
“After the win in Barbados (in 2024 final against South Africa), I promised myself that whichever tournament I play, I will play to win and I will lift the trophy. This win against New Zealand in Ahmedabad is a validation that the promise I made to myself has become a reality. This is just the start,” Hardik said after the final.
The Vadodara-born player also recalled his difficulties from 2024. “When we won the T20 World Cup in 2024, I was facing a lot of difficulties personally. Many things had happened before that tournament and things were not going my way. Before the 2024 World Cup started, I had made up my mind that I was going for redemption,” he said.
Whether the complaint translates into a formal case remains unclear. Police have not commented beyond confirming the application was received.
Who has filed a complaint against Hardik Pandya?
Advocate Wajid Khan has filed a complaint against Hardik at Bengaluru’s Shivajinagar Police Station this week.
Has the police lodged a formal FIR against Hardik Pandya?
Officers have accepted the complaint and issued an acknowledgment copy but have not commented on whether a formal case would be registered or not.
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Ajay Gandhar has been part of Khel Now since 2023 and has expertise across a wide range of Olympic sports. While his coverage spans the Olympic spectrum, he is passionate about Badminton, Tennis, Football, and Track and Field. Beyond his primary focus areas, Ajay is also an avid kabaddi enthusiast and closely follows the sport.