Thu Feb 12 07:57:32 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Madras High Court Orders M.S. Dhoni to Deposit ₹10 Lakh in Defamation Suit

The Story

The Madras High Court has directed cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni to deposit ₹10 lakh with the Chief Justice’s Relief Fund by March 12, 2026. This deposit is to cover the costs of transcribing and translating compact discs presented as evidence in a ₹100-crore defamation suit filed by Dhoni in 2014. The suit targets a retired IPS officer, journalists, and television channels, alleging they implicated him in the 2013 Indian Premier League (IPL) betting scam. Justice R.N. Manjula ruled that the plaintiff, Dhoni, must bear the transcription and translation costs due to the extensive nature of the task.

Key Points

  • February 12, 2026: Madras High Court orders M.S. Dhoni to deposit ₹10 lakh.
  • The deposit is for transcribing and translating evidence in a ₹100-crore defamation suit filed in 2014.
  • The suit is against a retired IPS officer (G. Sampath Kumar), Zee Media Corporation, journalist Sudhir Chaudhary, and News Nation Network.
  • The suit alleges the defendants dragged Dhoni’s name into the 2013 IPL betting scam.
  • The court’s interpreter section estimated the transcription task would take three to four months and cost ₹10 lakh.
  • Trial in the suit had been delayed for over 12 years due to multiple applications.
  • G. Sampath Kumar was convicted of criminal contempt in December 2023, but the Supreme Court stayed the punishment in 2024.
  • In August 11, 2025, the court ordered the commencement of trial and appointed an advocate commissioner to record Dhoni’s evidence.

Key Takeaways

  • The long-delayed defamation suit filed by M.S. Dhoni is finally moving forward, albeit with financial burdens placed on the plaintiff.
  • The complexity and scale of the evidence presented (compact discs requiring translation and transcription) have significantly contributed to the delay.
  • The involvement of high-profile individuals (a retired IPS officer, journalists, and a celebrity cricketer) has likely complicated and protracted the legal proceedings.
  • Despite past setbacks, including a contempt conviction and subsequent stay, the court is now prioritizing the progression of the original defamation suit.

Impact Analysis

The resolution of this defamation suit, after more than a decade, could have significant implications for media reporting on sports controversies and the legal recourse available to public figures accused of wrongdoing. The outcome may set a precedent for the burden of proof and financial responsibility in defamation cases involving large amounts of evidence. The case will likely be closely watched by media organizations and celebrities alike and will shape future legal strategies.

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