In a major relief for former India cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni , the Supreme Court on April 20 quashed a criminal complaint against him filed by an Andhra Pradesh resident following his depiction as Lord Vishnu by a business magazine.
Quashing the criminal complaint, the bench headed by Justice Dipak Misra said that the ingredients of the offence alleged in the criminal complaint amounting to hurting the religious feelings of the complainant are not made out.
Another bench of the apex court had in September last year quashed an identical complaint filed by another complainant before a court in Bengaluru.
In the magazine cover that was released in 2013, Dhoni –dressed up as Lord Vishnu — was seen holding several objects in his hands, including a shoe.
The petitioner had filed the criminal case alleging that depicting Dhoni as Lord Vishnu in commercial context has hurt the sentiments of the people.
A court in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh had issued a non-bailable warrant against him for allegedly hurting religious sentiments.
That had prompted Dhoni to approach the Supreme Court seeking quashing of the criminal proceedings against him.
Dhoni is currently busy in playing for the Indian Premier League franchise Rising Pune Supergiant. He was removed as the captain due to the reason best known to RPS management.
RPS is currently at the number 7 in the points table after losing 3 out of 5 matches. RPS will play next against David Warner-led Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 22 at Pune.
