Imphal: Six-time world boxing champion and Olympic bronze medallist M.C. Mary Kom from Manipur is facing criminal defamation proceedings filed by her former husband, Karung Onkholer “Onler” Kom. The case is listed for its next hearing on November 19, 2026.

It was filed under Section 356 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which replaced the Indian Penal Code. The offence carries a maximum punishment of two years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both upon conviction.

The case follows a series of public interviews and television appearances in which Mary Kom accused her former husband of financial wrongdoing during their marriage.

She alleged that Onler had defrauded her of crores of rupees earned through her boxing career and endorsements. She also alleged that loans were taken in her name without authorisation, her properties were mortgaged, and assets were transferred without her consent.

Onler Kom has denied the allegations and called them baseless. He said the allegations had left him feeling haunted and hounded.

While confirming that he had filed the case, he declined to comment further on the allegations, saying the matter was now sub judice. He expressed faith in the Indian judicial system and said he had a strong case.

Sources close to Onler said he had been considering legal action for several months because of personal distress and scrutiny from family and friends. He is seeking damages and an unconditional apology, according to the sources.

The dispute follows the end of the couple’s 20-year relationship. Mary Kom and Onler first met in Delhi in 2000 and married in 2005.

Onler later gave up his sporting ambitions to manage the household and raise their four children while Mary Kom continued her boxing career, winning six World Championships and a bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics.

Mary Kom had previously described Onler as her “pillar of strength”. The couple separated under customary Kom law in 2023. Their dispute returned to public attention following Mary Kom’s recent television appearances and her current stint on the reality show Bigg Boss.

Under Section 356 of the BNS, which corresponds to the erstwhile Section 500 of the IPC, the prosecution must establish that the statements were made publicly, were prima facie defamatory, and were intended to harm the complainant’s reputation.

The defence can invoke exceptions, including statements that are true and made for the public good.

Mary Kom’s legal team is expected to respond after receiving the court summons.