Olympic medallist Mary Kom’s former husband, Onler Kom, has filed a criminal defamation case against the boxer, alleging that remarks she made about him on television and other public platforms were disparaging and damaging.
The matter has now reached the courts, with the next hearing scheduled for November 19, 2026. Onler has confirmed that he is pursuing the case but has chosen not to discuss the allegations in detail because the matter is currently sub judice.
Onler Kom Says He Has Faith in the Judicial System
Speaking about the case, Onler said that he believes he has a strong case and has faith in the Indian judicial system. However, he refused to comment further because the legal proceedings are ongoing.
“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,” Onler said.
According to sources close to him, Onler had been considering legal action for some time following comments made by Mary on a television show and later on other public platforms.
The case has reportedly been filed under Section 356 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with defamation. If convicted under the provision, the punishment can include imprisonment of up to two years, a fine, or both.
Mary Kom Had Made Financial Allegations
Mary Kom had previously made allegations against Onler concerning their finances. She alleged that money earned through her boxing career had been misused and claimed that she had been cheated of crores of rupees.
She also alleged that loans were taken in her name, her property was mortgaged and some assets were transferred into Onler’s name without her proper consent.
Onler has denied these allegations and has made counter-allegations regarding their relationship and conduct during their marriage. He has also challenged Mary to prove the allegations made against him.
Since the matter is now before the court, the allegations from both sides remain part of an ongoing legal dispute and have not been established as facts by a final judicial decision.
Onler Says He Wants an Apology and Damages
A source close to Onler claimed that he initially did not want to take the matter to court because he wanted to avoid further conflict and live peacefully.
However, according to the source, questions from family members and friends about the allegations eventually pushed him to reconsider his decision.
The source claimed that Onler is now seeking an apology and damages from Mary, arguing that the allegations against him were baseless and had caused him significant distress.
Onler himself has refrained from making detailed public comments, maintaining that he wants the legal process to take its course.
From Love Story to Separation
Mary Kom and Onler Kom’s relationship began in 2000, when they reportedly met in Delhi. At the time, Onler was studying at Delhi University’s Law Faculty. According to reports, he helped Mary after she lost her luggage while travelling for a competition.
The couple got married in 2005 and went on to build a family together. They welcomed twin sons in 2007 and another son in 2013. In 2018, they adopted a daughter, fulfilling Mary’s long-held wish to have a daughter.
Onler, who was also a footballer, reportedly put his own career on hold to focus on raising their children and managing the household while Mary continued her boxing career.
Over the years, Mary had often described Onler as an important source of support during her journey in boxing.
Their Marriage Eventually Came to an End
After years together, Mary and Onler eventually separated. Mary later confirmed that their divorce was finalised in 2023 under Kom customary law.
Their separation came after years of marriage, during which they had built a family and shared several important phases of Mary’s remarkable sporting career.
Mary remains one of India’s most celebrated boxers, having won six World Championship titles and an Olympic bronze medal. Her journey from a young boxer from Manipur to an internationally recognised sporting icon has made her one of the most respected names in Indian boxing.
Mary Kom Is Currently on Bigg Boss
The latest legal development comes at a time when Mary Kom is also in the public eye through her participation in the reality television show Bigg Boss.
With Onler’s defamation case now before the court, attention is likely to remain on the former couple’s legal dispute. The next hearing on November 19, 2026, is expected to bring further developments in the matter.
For now, Onler has made it clear that he does not want to discuss the case publicly and is choosing to rely on the judicial process.
