Lord Vishnu cover row: Relief for MS Dhoni as SC stays arrest warrant proceedings

The 34-year-old was earlier asked to be present in court on February 25.

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday stayed proceedings against M S Dhoni in a case against him for allegedly portraying himself as Lord Vishnu in an advertisement.

SC stays criminal proceedings against M S Dhoni in a case against him for allegedly portraying himself as Lord Vishnu in an advertisement. — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 29, 2016

A non-bailable warrant was issued against India's ODI skipper on January 9 by a court in Anantapur in connection with him appearing on the cover of a magazine as Lord Vishnu.

The 34-year-old was asked to be present in court on February 25.

Dhoni courted controversy after appearing in an advertisement on the cover of Business Today as Lord Vishnu holding a number of things.

The ad prompted social activist Jayakumar Hiremath to file a case to register a complaint against him, with a case being registered against him under section 295 and 34 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

In reply, the High Court had said, "These celebrities are only signing ads without any responsibility. Their aim is to earn easy money without considering the problems it may create."

Taking cognizance of the complaint filed by Hiremath, the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) had registered a case against Dhoni under section 295 (injuring or defiling place of worship with intent to insult the religion of any class) along with 34 of the IPC.

Later, the ACMM had issued summons to Dhoni to appear before the court, which he did not and instead moved the High Court against its direction.

(With PTI inputs)