In a major legal development, the Madras High Court has ordered the commencement of trial in a long-pending ₹100 crore defamation suit filed by former Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni. The suit targets two major media organizations and a prominent journalist for allegedly linking his name to the controversial 2013 IPL betting scandal during televised debates.
Background of the Case
In 2014, Dhoni lodged the defamation suit against Zee Media Corporation, News Nation Network, retired Tamil Nadu cadre IPS officer G. Sampath Kumar, and senior journalist Sudhir Chaudhary. He claimed that remarks made in a TV debate unfairly cast a shadow over his reputation by associating him with IPL match-fixing, despite no credible evidence or official accusation.
Fresh Legal Proceedings
Justice C.V. Karthikeyan of the Madras High Court has finally directed that the trial begin — more than a decade after the suit was filed. Understanding the challenges posed by Dhoni’s massive celebrity status, the court appointed an Advocate Commissioner to record his testimony privately. This move is intended to avoid potential disruption and overexposure in open court.
Dhoni’s Statement & Affidavit
Dhoni, through senior counsel P.R. Raman, submitted an affidavit urging the court to expedite the trial and avoid further delays. In the affidavit, he pledged to fully cooperate with the proceedings and comply with all directions regarding evidence recording.
Regarding his availability, Dhoni requested that his testimony be recorded at a mutually convenient location, and confirmed his willingness to participate in examination and cross-examination between October 20 and December 10, 2025.
Why It Matters
This order marks a significant step forward after years of procedural delays and legal maneuvers by both parties. Dhoni’s high-profile status posed logistical challenges in conducting the trial typically—hence the court’s direction to use an Advocate Commissioner as a safe workaround.
A successful resolution could vindicate Dhoni’s reputation and set a precedent for how defamation cases involving celebrities are handled, particularly those tied to televised commentary and alleged misconduct. The decision also underscores the judiciary’s commitment to ensuring justice, even in complex, high-stakes cases that span years.
What Lies Ahead
Next steps in the trial involve:
The Advocate Commissioner recording Dhoni’s testimony at a private location in Chennai.
Submission of recorded evidence to the court for further hearings.
Scheduled legal proceedings post-evidence submission, moving the case forward toward resolution.
The progression of this case will draw considerable interest from the public and legal observers alike, as it navigates the intersection of media accountability, defamation laws, and celebrity rights.