Madras HC orders trial in MS Dhoni’s ₹100 crore defamation case

Former Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni is all set to record his statement following the Madras High Court ordered a trial in a ₹100 crore defamation case filed by him against two prominent media channels, an IPS officer and a journalist, who dragged his name in the 2013 IPL betting scandal, reported The Hindu.

This decision is based on the fact that MS Dhoni is a celebrity, and his presence could lead to chaos.

Earlier in 2014, Dhoni filed a case and sought damages of ₹100 crore from the defendants – two prominent media channels, an IPS officer and a journalist. Dhoni had alleged that defamatory remarks were made against him during a Television debate on the IPL betting scandal.

Senior counsel PR Raman submitted an affidavit from Dhoni seeking the start of the trial, reported The Hindu, adding it is pending for a decade.

“The above request is made with the intent to avoid any undue delay (in disposal of the suit pending in the High Court for over a decade) and to support the fair, just, and speedy adjudication of the suit. I state that I shall extend my full co-operation with the Advocate Commissioner and comply with all directions issued by this honourable court regarding the trial and the recording of evidence," The Hindu quoted the affidavit as reading.

Though Dhoni took retirement from international cricket in August 2020, he continues to represent CSK in IPL.