Twitter Reaction: MS Dhoni asked to appear in court

According to the reports Anantpur court (Andhra Pradesh) has issued a non-bailable warrant against India’s limited overs skipper MS Dhoni for his controversial magazine cover appearance in 2013. He was seen posing as Lord Vishnu in the print ad, depicting him as the ‘God of Big deals’.

The issue was raised by Jayakumar Hiremath, a social activist in 2014. He filed a case stating that the cricketer has “denigrated” Hindu God. After the complaint, a case was registered under section 295 and 34 of the Indian Penal code. However, Dhoni defended himself saying that he did not pose as God.

In a statement last year, MS Dhoni stated, “I haven’t received any remuneration/goodwill or money for the news article or for usage of my picture on the cover page or anywhere else. Neither have I posed for the picture which was published in the magazine on April 14, 2013.”

While investigating the matter, Justice A.N Gowda said, “A celebrity and a cricketer like Dhoni should know the consequences of hurting religious sentiments of people. He should have known the consequences of doing such ads. These celebrities are only signing ads without any responsibility. Their aim is to earn easy money without considering the problems it may create,”

However, the Supreme Court (SC) dismissed the verdict and granted MS Dhoni a special leave petition for the case. This complaint was filed by social activist Jayakumar Hiremath, who accused Dhoni of disrespecting Hindu sentiments. The case was filed under section 295, which indicated insult to a particular religion with the intent to insult its purity. Dhoni failed to acknowledge the court summons and moved to the High Court.

Here is how Twitter reacted to the case:

https://twitter.com/gulzar9/status/685413326482837504