Dhoni in trouble for "denigrating" a Hindu god

The cricketer is on the cover of a magazine as Lord Vishnu, holding several things, including a shoe in his hands

Former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni found himself in hot water as a case was filed against him in the Karnataka High Court for "denigrating" a Hindu God in one of the advertisements that he was a part of.

"A celebrity and a cricketer like Dhoni should know the consequences of hurting the religious sentiments of people. He should have known the consequences of doing such ads," said Justice A N Venugopal Gowda in his oral observation, Press Trust of India reported.

The complainant, Jayakumar Hiremath, a social activist, had claimed that the cricketer is seen on the cover of a business magazine as Lord Vishnu, carrying several things, including a shoe in his hands.

Dhoni on the cover of a business magazine dressed as Lord Vishnu. PHOTO COURTESY: TWITTER

During the enquiry, Justice Gowda said celebrities sign ads for the money without giving due consideration to the possible consequences.

"These celebrities are only signing ads without any responsibility. Their aim is to earn easy money without considering the problems it may create," he added.

Dhoni’s lawyer refuted the claims made by the opposition by stating that the 34-year-old cricketer has not taken any money. In retort, Justice Gowda ruled that Dhoni must file an affidavit declaring that he had not taken any money for gracing the front page of the magazine.

Further proceedings are scheduled for August 17. Taking notice of the complaint filed by Hiremath, the Sixth Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) had registered a case under section 295 (injuring or defiling place of worship with intent to insult the religion of any class) along with 34 of Indian Penal Code against the former captain.

Later, the ACMM issued summons to Dhoni to appear in court, which he ignored and instead moved the High Court against its direction.