Sania asked to appear before court on March 10

Bhopal, Jan 9 (UNI) A local court today directed tennis sensation Sania Mirza to appear before it on March 10 for allegedly disrespecting the national flag.

CJM Ajay Shrivastava issued notice to the tennis player on a petition filed by Prashant Kumar Thakur of Bhopal on the basis of a photograph published in different newspapers showing Sania Mirza's leg pointing towards the tri-colour.

Petitioner's counsel Rajkumar Pande contended that through her act, Sania Mirza has dishonoured the national flag and should be punished.

The petitioner also sought to implead Union Sports Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar as a respondent. The judge rejected the plea saying it was not required. The petitioner demanded that the Sports Ministry should take adequate measures so that sportpersons did not dishonour the national flag.

UNI XC-SP AKJ RN1436