Madras High Court Directs MS Dhoni to Deposit ₹10 Lakh in Defamation Case
Court orders payment for transcription and translation of CDs used as evidence
Case stems from 2013 IPL betting and match-fixing allegations
By Our Legal Correspondent
New Delhi: February 12, 2026:
The Madras High Court has directed former Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni to deposit ₹10 lakh in connection with his long-pending defamation suit against Zee Media Corporation and retired IPS officer G. Sampath Kumar. The order, passed by Justice R.N. Manjula on February 12, 2026, relates to the cost of transcribing and translating CDs containing television debates where Dhoni was allegedly linked to the 2013 Indian Premier League (IPL) betting and match-fixing scandal.
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Background of the Case
- Defamation suit filed in 2014: Dhoni initiated a ₹100 crore defamation case against Zee Media and Sampath Kumar after they made statements suggesting his involvement in IPL betting and match-fixing.
- Allegations: Kumar, a retired IPS officer, had appeared on TV debates claiming Dhoni’s name was connected to the scandal.
- Evidence relied upon: CDs containing recordings of these debates were submitted as evidence in court.
- Court’s earlier order (October 2025): Directed that the CDs be transcribed and translated by the court interpreter, subject to payment of necessary charges.
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Court’s Observations
Justice Manjula noted:
- Payment required: Dhoni must deposit ₹10 lakh to cover the costs of transcription and translation.
- Procedural compliance: The order ensures that evidence is properly documented for trial.
- Long-pending litigation: The case has been ongoing for more than a decade, highlighting the delays often seen in defamation suits.
Why the Court Issued the Order
- Evidence clarity: Transcription and translation are necessary to ensure the court can rely on the content of the CDs.
- Fair trial: Proper documentation of evidence is essential for both parties to present their arguments.
- Cost responsibility: Since Dhoni submitted the CDs as evidence, he is required to bear the cost of processing them.
Wider Legal Context
Defamation suits in India often involve lengthy proceedings, especially when linked to high-profile personalities. The 2013 IPL betting scandal led to widespread allegations against players and officials, though Dhoni has consistently denied any involvement.
This case also highlights the role of media in shaping public perception and the legal consequences of unverified allegations. Courts have repeatedly emphasized that freedom of speech does not extend to defamatory statements that harm reputations.
Conclusion
The Madras High Court’s directive requiring MS Dhoni to deposit ₹10 lakh is a procedural step in his defamation suit, ensuring that evidence is properly transcribed and translated. While the case continues to be heard more than a decade after it was filed, the order underscores the importance of due process and accurate documentation in defamation litigation.
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