New Delhi: Olympic bronze medallist and six-time world boxing champion M.C. Mary Kom is facing criminal defamation proceedings initiated by her former husband Karung Onkholer Kom, popularly known as Onler Kom, over alleged disparaging statements made by her on television and other public platforms. The case has been filed under Section 356 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the new criminal code which replaced the Indian Penal Code, and which provides for punishment of up to two years imprisonment, fine, or both, in case of conviction. The court has listed the matter for next hearing on November 19, 2026.
According to a report published by Hindustan Times on Wednesday, Onler Kom approached the court after Mary Kom made a series of allegations against him during a television appearance and subsequently on other media platforms. Sources close to Onler said that he had been contemplating legal action for several months, as the remarks had caused him serious personal distress and had led to repeated questioning by family members, friends and acquaintances about the truth of the allegations. Business Today also reported the development on October 7, 2026.
Confirming that he has filed the case, Onler declined to go into the merits of the allegations, stating that the matter is now sub judice. “I have a strong case. I have faith in the judicial system of India. The matter is sub judice, so I won’t comment any further,” he was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times. The source cited in the report added that Onler initially wanted to avoid further confrontation and live peacefully, but decided to pursue legal remedy after feeling “haunted and hounded” by what he described as baseless allegations.
The dispute stems from public statements made by Mary Kom in recent months regarding financial irregularities during her marriage. In interviews, the boxing legend had alleged that Onler had cheated her of crores of rupees that she had earned through her boxing career, endorsements and other professional engagements. She further alleged that loans had been taken in her name without her full knowledge, that her properties had been mortgaged, and that certain assets had been transferred into Onler’s name without proper consent. These claims were widely reported and triggered extensive public discussion.
Onler Kom has categorically denied all allegations of financial fraud and misappropriation. In his response, he has not only refuted Mary Kom’s version but has also made counter-allegations about her conduct during their marriage, challenging her to substantiate her claims with documentary evidence before the court. Sources close to him said that he is seeking an unconditional apology and damages for the alleged defamatory statements, which he claims have harmed his reputation and social standing in Manipur and beyond.
The case marks a new chapter in the highly publicized personal fallout between one of India’s most celebrated sportspersons and her former husband. Mary Kom and Onler’s relationship had long been projected as a story of mutual support and sacrifice. The two first met in Delhi in 2000 when Mary, then an emerging boxer travelling for a competition, lost her luggage. Onler, who was then a law student at Delhi University’s Law Faculty and a footballer himself, helped her. The acquaintance grew into a relationship and the couple married in 2005.
Following their marriage, Onler is said to have put his own sporting career on hold to manage the household and raise their children, enabling Mary to focus on her boxing career. The couple had twin sons in 2007 and a third son in 2013. In 2018, they adopted a daughter, fulfilling Mary’s long-expressed wish to have a daughter in the family. During the peak of Mary’s career, which included six World Championship gold medals, an Olympic bronze at London 2012, and multiple Asian Games and Commonwealth Games medals, she often publicly described Onler as her “pillar of strength” and credited him for his support.
The couple’s separation became public in 2023, when Mary Kom confirmed that they had divorced under the customary law of the Kom community. Since then, both have maintained a relatively low profile regarding their personal differences, until Mary’s recent television appearance where she spoke about alleged financial betrayal. The matter gained further attention as Mary is currently seen as a participant in the reality television show Bigg Boss, where her personal life has again come under media scrutiny.
Legally, the case under Section 356 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita deals with defamation, defined as making or publishing any imputation concerning any person with the intent to harm or knowing that it will harm the person’s reputation. The punishment under the new law remains similar to the erstwhile Section 500 IPC. Legal experts note that in criminal defamation cases, the complainant has to establish that the statement was made publicly, that it was prima facie defamatory, and that it was made with the requisite intent. The accused, on the other hand, can claim protection under several exceptions, including truth for public good.
For Mary Kom, who hails from Churachandpur district in Manipur and remains one of the most respected sporting icons from the Northeast, the case comes at a time when she continues to remain active in public life through sports administration, philanthropy and media appearances. She has not yet issued an official public statement in response to the filing of the defamation case. Her legal team is expected to respond after receiving a formal summons from the court.
Observers note that the case also reflects the larger challenge faced by public figures when personal disputes become public. Both Mary Kom and Onler Kom have previously enjoyed considerable public sympathy, and the legal battle is likely to be closely watched both in Manipur and in the national sports fraternity. While Onler seeks vindication and an apology through the judicial process, the final outcome will depend on the evidence presented by both sides during the trial beginning November 19.
