Criminal proceedings against India’s ODI captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni for hurting religious sentiment have been stayed by the country’s Supreme Court on Monday, The Hindu reported.

Dhoni was accused of hurting religious sentiments of the people of India by depicting himself as Lord Vishnu in a magazine publication.

The Business Today, in April 2013, ran a cover story on the brand appeal Dhoni enjoys, and how the Indian captain was fast becoming the 'God of Big Deals'.

The magazine augmented this title by depicting Dhoni as Lord Vishnu, holding eight endorsed products in his eight hands.

Following the advertisements, there were many protests in condemnation of Dhoni and several petitions alleging that he, intentionally, hurt Hindu sentiments, were filed.

In response to one such petition, a Bengaluru court initiated proceeding under Section 295A of the Indian Penal Code. The said code recommends punishment of up to three years imprisonment or fine or both if suspect is found guilty.

When the Karnataka High Court, in August, refused to give Dhoni any relief, he decided to move Supreme Court challenging the high court’s decision against quashing of the criminal proceedings against him.