India, Oct. 7 -- Olympic medallist Mary Kom's ex-husband Onler Kom has initiated criminal defamation proceedings against the boxer, alleging she made disparaging and damaging statements about him on television and other public platforms.

The case has been filed under Section 356 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with defamation. If convicted under the provision, the punishment can extend to imprisonment of up to two years, a fine, or both.

The next hearing in the matter is scheduled for November 19, 2026.

According to sources, Onler had been considering legal action for some time following comments made by Mary.

"Onler had been considering legal action ever since Mary made disparaging statements against him on a TV sho...