Mary Komās Ex-Husband Takes Legal Action Against Her: Criminal Defamation Case Filed U/S 356 BNS
Curated by NEWS DESK
Editorial DeskNEW DELHI: Olympic medallist Mary Komās ex-husband, Onler Kom, has initiated criminal defamation proceedings under Section 356 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against the boxer over statements allegedly damaging his reputation.
Ex-husband Onler has taken legal action while Mary Kom is participating in Bigg Boss 20. He has accused her of making damaging statements about him during television appearances and interviews.
Confirming the legal proceedings, Onler said:
āI have a strong case. I have faith in India's judicial system. The matter is sub judice, so I wonāt comment any further.ā
The dispute follows Mary Komās earlier appearance on Aap Ki Adalat, where she accused her former husband of financial misconduct during their marriage.
She alleged that Onler took crores of rupees from her, transferred her assets into his name, and obtained loans in her name. She also claimed he did not earn money during their marriage.
These statements attracted public attention and criticism. Onler subsequently accused Mary Kom of having extramarital relationships. Both sides have made serious allegations, which should not be treated as judicially established facts.
Mary Kom later clarified that her remarks concerning Onlerās football career were not intended to insult football or people associated with the sport. She said she became emotional during the interview.
Mary Kom and Onler married in 2005 and obtained a mutual consent divorce in 2023. They have four children.
The criminal defamation proceedings now raise questions about the legal consequences of making allegations against a former spouse in public.
Under Section 356 BNS, defamatory statements may attract criminal liability when the statutory requirements are satisfied. However, the court must examine the actual statements, their context and the applicable legal defences before deciding the matter.
For an individual facing public allegations, the consequences may extend beyond the matrimonial dispute and affect personal reputation and social standing.
The next hearing is scheduled for November 19, 2026. No judicial finding establishing defamation has been reported in the cited article.
EXPLANATORY TABLE OF LAWS AND SECTIONS
| Law / Provision | What It Means | Application in This Case |
|---|---|---|
| Section 356(1), BNS | Defines criminal defamation, including statements intended or known to be likely to harm another person's reputation, subject to statutory exceptions. | Onler alleges that Mary Kom's public statements damaged his reputation. |
| Section 356(2), BNS | Provides punishment for defamation: simple imprisonment up to two years, fine, both, or community service. | Potential penal provision if the offence is established. The exact subsection invoked is not confirmed. |
CASE DETAILS
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Case Title | Onler Komās Criminal Defamation Complaint Against Mary Kom |
| Parties | Onler Kom and Mary Kom |
| Nature of Case | Criminal Defamation |
| Complainant | Onler Kom |
| Person Complained Against | Mary Kom |
| Case Status | Proceedings reported as pending; no final determination |
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Ex-Husband Fights Back: Onler Kom initiates criminal defamation proceedings against Mary Kom over her public allegations.
- Man's Reputation at Stake: Allegations of financial misconduct against Onler became a matter of public controversy.
- Divorce Ended, Dispute Continued: Despite their 2023 divorce, the former couple remains embroiled in serious allegations.
- Section 356 BNS Invoked: Onler seeks legal recourse against statements he claims damaged his reputation.
- Men Have Reputations Too: Being an ex-husband does not mean a man's dignity and reputation are disposable. Allegations are not proof.
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