Why MS Dhoni Has Been Ordered To Pay Rs 10 lakh By Madras High Court

Legendary India cricketer MS Dhoni has been asked by the Madras High Court to deposit Rs 10 lakh towards the cost of transcribing and translating compact discs submitted as evidence in his long-running defamation suit related to the 2013 Indian Premier League (IPL) spot-fixing and betting scandal.

Justice R.N. Manjula said the task of translating and transcribing the Hindi-language recordings – which include news clips and televised debates – was a “humongous” exercise that would require the exclusive services of an interpreter and typist for three to four months.

The court ruled that, as the plaintiff, Dhoni was obliged to bear the cost. The amount must be deposited with the Chief Justice’s Relief Fund by March 12, 2026 to allow the 12-year-old

civil case to proceed.

“As the engagement of official Interpreter is needed in view of the extraneous circumstances and as mentioned in the earlier order dated 28.10.2025, it is obligatory on the part of the plaintiff to pay the cost of the job done,” reads the order as per Bar and Bench.

Dhoni filed the Rs 100 crore defamation suit in 2014 against two media organisations, a journalist and a retired IPS officer. He alleged they made defamatory statements linking him to betting and match-fixing during the 2013 IPL season.

Dhoni has denied any involvement.

The case has been delayed due to multiple interim applications and appeals.

In 2023, a division bench convicted Mr Kumar of criminal contempt over remarks made in court filings, sentencing him to 15 days’ simple imprisonment. However, the Supreme Court later stayed the sentence.

Last year, the High Court ordered the commencement of trial and appointed an advocate commissioner to record Dhoni’s evidence outside court premises, citing security concerns due to his celebrity status. An appeal challenging that order was dismissed in November 2025.

The matter is next listed for hearing on March 12.