T20 World Cup Fallout: Rohit Sharma's Flag Controversy & Virat Kohli's Pub FIR
The aftermath of India's T20 World Cup victory has been a mix of celebration and controversy, with two prominent players facing issues of their own. Rohit Sharma's choice of a new social media display picture and Virat Kohli's pub venture in Bengaluru have both drawn public attention for controversial reasons.
Rohit Sharma's Flag Controversy
Following India's triumph in the T20 World Cup, Rohit Sharma, one of the team's top players, updated his profile picture on a popular social media platform. However, what was meant to celebrate India's victory turned into a controversy.
The Controversial Photo
Rohit Sharma selected an image of himself planting the Indian flag at the Kensington Oval in Barbados after India's victory against South Africa in the final match. While his intention was to highlight India's success in international cricket, the choice of the photo sparked criticism among fans.
Public Backlash
Many fans expressed displeasure, pointing out that the act of planting the Indian flag on foreign soil could be seen as inappropriate, implying territorial ownership. Moreover, the image showed the tricolour touching the ground, which is considered disrespectful as per the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.
Legal Implications
The clause from the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, explicitly states that the national flag should not touch the ground intentionally. This led to further criticism of Rohit Sharma's social media post, highlighting the need for public figures to handle national symbols with utmost respect.
Virat Kohli's Pub in Bengaluru
On the other side of the controversy spectrum, Virat Kohli, another stalwart of Indian cricket, faced legal troubles related to his business venture, One8 Commune pub in Bengaluru.
Violation of Operating Hours
Bengaluru police registered an FIR against several establishments, including Virat Kohli's One8 Commune pub, for operating beyond the permissible time limit. Despite regulations stipulating a 1 am closure, the pubs were found open until 1.30 am, prompting action from law enforcement.
Complaints and Police Action
Complaints regarding loud music and extended operating hours prompted the police action. The location of One8 Commune near Chinnaswamy cricket stadium, a prominent venue in Bengaluru, added to the public and police scrutiny.
One8 Commune and Its Impact
Virat Kohli's One8 Commune chain, which has branches in major cities across India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, and Kolkata, faced legal scrutiny in Bengaluru, affecting its reputation and operations.
Conclusion
As India celebrates its victory in the T20 World Cup, controversies surrounding prominent players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli highlight the challenges faced by public figures in maintaining public image and adherence to legal norms. These incidents serve as reminders of the responsibilities that come with fame and the importance of upholding national symbols and legal regulations.