Former India captain MS Dhoni has been directed by the Madras High Court to deposit 10 lakh in connection with his long-running 100 crore defamation suit.
The court clarified that the amount is not a penalty, but a procedural expense necessary for the continuation of the trial.
The order was passed on February 12, 2026, by Justice R.N. Manjula, who instructed that the amount be deposited into the Chief Justice’s Relief Fund before March 12, 2026.
The payment will facilitate the transcription and translation of key evidence submitted in the case.
Why the Deposit Was Ordered
The defamation case involves a significant volume of electronic media evidence submitted by Dhoni.
These materials include Hindi recordings of television debates, news clips, and other broadcast content related to allegations made during the 2013 IPL betting and spot-fixing controversy.
Since the recordings are in Hindi and form an essential part of the evidentiary record, the High Court noted that they must be formally transcribed and translated into written documents for judicial examination.
The court emphasised that the deposit is purely administrative in nature and does not reflect any adverse finding against the cricketer.
Background of the 100 Crore Defamation Suit
The legal dispute traces back to 2014, when Dhoni filed a 100 crore defamation suit against two media organisations, a journalist, and a retired IPS officer. He alleged that defamatory statements had falsely linked him to betting and match-fixing during the 2013 IPL season.
Dhoni has consistently denied any involvement in the controversy and maintained that the reports caused serious damage to his personal and professional reputation.
The case has remained pending for over a decade due to multiple interim petitions, appeals, and procedural delays.
In 2023, a division bench of the High Court convicted one of the accused of criminal contempt for remarks made in court filings and sentenced him to 15 days’ simple imprisonment. However, the sentence was later stayed by the Supreme Court of India.
A Long-Running Legal Challenge
For Dhoni, the defamation case represents one of the most significant off-field legal battles of his career. While he remains active in competitive cricket and franchise commitments, the litigation related to the 2013 controversy continues to unfold in parallel.
Legal observers view the recent directive as a procedural step aimed at ensuring the efficient handling of evidence and expediting the trial process.
With documentation work set to begin, the case may now move forward at a steadier pace toward eventual resolution.
MS Dhoni has training ahead of the upcoming season, focusing on fitness and match preparation as fans eagerly await his return to competitive cricket action.
