Former India captain MS Dhoni has been directed by the Madras High Court to deposit ₹10 lakh in connection with his long-running defamation case. The order was passed on February 12, 2026, by Justice R.N. Manjula, asking Dhoni to deposit the amount in the Chief Justice Relief Fund before March 12, 2026.
Importantly, this is not a fine or punishment, but a procedural expense required to move the case forward.
Why Was the Amount Ordered?
The High Court stated that the case involves a large number of electronic media materials submitted as evidence. These include television debates, news clips, and recordings in Hindi related to the allegations made during the 2013 IPL controversy.
To proceed with the trial, these recordings need to be transcribed and translated into a written format. The court’s interpreter section informed that the work is extensive and may take three to four months, requiring dedicated staff.
Since Dhoni is the plaintiff (the person who filed the case), the court directed him to bear the estimated cost of ₹10 lakh for the process.
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Court Direction Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Court | Madras High Court |
| Date of Order | February 12, 2026 |
| Amount | ₹10 lakh |
| Deposit Deadline | March 12, 2026 |
| Purpose | Transcription and translation of media evidence |
| Nature | Procedural cost, not a penalty |
Background of the Case
The legal matter dates back to the 2013 IPL betting and spot-fixing controversy, when several media reports and public statements allegedly linked Dhoni to betting-related activities.
In 2014, Dhoni filed a ₹100 crore defamation suit against certain media organizations and individuals, claiming that the allegations were false and had damaged his reputation.
The case has been ongoing for more than a decade due to multiple interim petitions, appeals, and procedural delays.
In August 2025, the High Court directed that the trial should proceed and ordered that Dhoni’s statement be recorded through an Advocate Commissioner, considering security and logistical reasons.
With the latest order and the required amount to be deposited, the transcription work will begin. Once completed, the trial is expected to move ahead more quickly, and Dhoni may also face cross-examination as part of the legal process.
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A Long Legal Battle for Reputation
The case is significant for Dhoni as it relates to his personal and professional reputation. The former captain has consistently maintained that his name was wrongly dragged into the controversy.
While Dhoni continues his cricket commitments and preparations for upcoming tournaments and franchise cricket, this legal battle remains one of the longest-running off-field challenges of his career.
Fans and supporters now hope that the case moves toward a final resolution soon, bringing clarity and closure to the matter.
