Madras High Court Directs MS Dhoni to Deposit ₹10 Lakh in Defamation Case Against Ex-IPS Officer

Madras High Court Directs MS Dhoni to Deposit ₹10 Lakh in Defamation Case Against Ex-IPS Officer

The Madras High Court has directed former India captain MS Dhoni to deposit ₹10 lakh towards the transcription and translation of materials in his ongoing defamation suit against retired IPS officer G. Sampathkumar.

Dhoni has filed a civil suit seeking ₹100 crore in damages, alleging that Sampathkumar wrongly linked him to the 2013 Indian Premier League (IPL) betting scandal. The latest direction was issued by Justice R.N. Manjula while passing further interim orders on February 11.

Court Order in MS Dhoni Defamation Case

The court noted that, under an earlier order dated October 28, 2025, an official interpreter had been assigned to transcribe and translate the contents of certain CDs submitted as part of the case record. That assignment, however, was subject to payment of the prescribed charges.

According to the interpreter’s submission before the court, the task is extensive and would require at least one interpreter and a typist working full-time for three to four months. The process also involves preparing multiple copies of the material. Taking these factors into account, the court fixed the total cost at ₹10 lakh.

Justice Manjula observed that in a civil suit, it is typically the plaintiff’s responsibility to prepare and file necessary documents. Since the appointment of an official interpreter arose from specific circumstances mentioned in the earlier order, the associated costs must be borne by Dhoni.

Deadline for Payment and Further Hearing

The High Court directed that the transcription and translation work be completed before the third week of March 2026.

It also ordered Dhoni to deposit the ₹10 lakh amount into the Chief Justice’s Relief Fund of the Madras High Court on or before March 12, 2026. The matter has been posted for further hearing on March 12.

Background of the Case

The defamation suit stems from allegations made by former IPS officer G. Sampathkumar, who reportedly linked Dhoni to the 2013 IPL betting controversy. Dhoni has denied the allegations and moved the court seeking damages of ₹100 crore, maintaining that the claims harmed his reputation.

On the cricketing front, Dhoni was last seen in action during IPL 2025, featuring in Chennai Super Kings’ match against Gujarat Titans. He is currently gearing up for IPL 2026, which is expected to begin in the final week of March.

As the legal proceedings continue, the focus remains on compliance with the High Court’s latest directive in the high-profile MS Dhoni defamation case.