Olympic medallist boxer Mary Kom’s former husband, Karong Onkholer, has filed a criminal defamation complaint against her in a Delhi court, alleging that statements she made during a television interview earlier this year damaged his reputation.
The complaint was filed on October 6 and is pending before Judicial Magistrate First Class Shivam Gupta at Delhi’s Saket Court.
The matter is currently at the pre-summoning evidence stage and is scheduled to be heard on November 19.
Complaint Over Remarks Made in January Interview
According to the complaint, Mary Kom made the disputed remarks during a television programme aired on January 11, 2026, after the couple’s marriage had been dissolved in December 2023.
Onkholer has alleged that the statements were false, malicious and defamatory and were capable of damaging his reputation because they were broadcast to a large television audience.
The allegations have not yet been adjudicated by the court.
What Mary Kom Allegedly Said
According to Onkholer’s complaint, the interview allegedly portrayed him as dishonest, unfaithful, unemployed and financially dependent on Mary Kom.
He has also objected to allegations that he withdrew money from her bank accounts without authorisation, obtained loans in her name and failed to contribute towards raising their children.
Onkholer contends that the remarks created an impression that he had no independent professional identity and had relied on the boxer financially during their marriage.
Ex-Husband Says He Sacrificed Career for Mary Kom
Rejecting the alleged portrayal of him as unemployed or financially dependent, Onkholer has claimed that he gave up professional opportunities to support Mary Kom’s boxing career and family responsibilities.
The complaint argues that the statements affected his personal and social standing, including his reputation as a husband and father.
He has alleged that the wide circulation of the interview also caused him mental distress and amounted to character assassination.
Couple Married in 2005, Separated in 2023
According to the complaint, Mary Kom and Onkholer married on March 12, 2005, and subsequently lived together in Faridabad.
Onkholer has stated that their marriage was dissolved through customary practice on December 20, 2023.
Court Yet to Decide Whether Mary Kom Will Be Summoned
The complaint has been filed through advocates Akash Krishna and Pragati Sharma.
At the pre-summoning evidence stage, the magistrate examines preliminary oral and documentary material submitted by the complainant before deciding whether there are sufficient grounds to summon the person named in the complaint.
Onkholer has asked the court to take cognisance of the alleged offence, record his evidence and summon Mary Kom if the court finds sufficient grounds to proceed.
At present, no finding of guilt has been made against Mary Kom, and the allegations remain claims contained in the complaint. The next hearing is scheduled for November 19.
