MS Dhoni directed to pay ₹10L in ₹100cr defamation suit:Evidence produced by India legend in IPL spot-fixing and betting case needs interpreter

Former Indian captain MS Dhoni has been directed by the Madras High Court to pay ₹10 lakh. However, this is not any kind of fine. Rather, the money will be directed towards the transcribing and translation of content related to the defamation suit he had filed against retired IPS officer G Sampathkumar. In the defamation suit, Dhoni sought ₹100 crore as damages for allegedly linking him to the IPL spot-fixing and betting scam of 2013. The evidence that MSD submitted to the court. Justice R.N. Manjula stated that the process will be an extensive one requiring the services of a dedicated interpreter and typist. That’s why the court ruled that the plaintiff Dhoni, is obliged to pay the cost of the process. MS Dhoni submitted news clips, televised debates as evidence As evidence in the ₹100 crore defamation case, MS Dhoni has submitted hindi recording of news clips and televised debates to the court. That requires an exclusive series of an interpreter and typist for three to four months. According to the rules, the plaintiff in the case, MS Dhoni, will bear the cost of the services (₹10 lakh). The court has also directed that the amount must be deposited into the Chief Justice’s Relief Fund by March 12, 2026, so that the proceedings of the case can move ahead. What did the court state? Here’s what Bar and Bench mentioned in their compilation of official rulings: “As the engagement of an official Interpreter is needed in view of the extraneous circumstances and as mentioned in the earlier order dated 28.10.25, it is obligatory on the part of the plaintiff to pay the cost of the job done.” MS Dhoni filed the ₹100 crore defamation case in 2014 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 denied any involvement. But the case got 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 resumption of the 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 next hearing for this matter is listed for 12th March.