Zee Media’s Appeal Against MS Dhoni Dismissed By Madras High Court

Legendary cricketer MS Dhoni had issued a defamatory suit against Zee media after his name was linked to the reports about the betting incident in the 2013 edition of the Indian Premier League. The former India skipper eventually took the matter to the Madras High Court, and recently, the judges dismissed an appeal made by Zee Media with the intention of closing the case. 

Appeal dismissed

It has been noted that the division bench of Justice R Mahadevan and Justice Mohammed Shaffiq made it clear that the media house should have been aware of things before making the allegations against the reputed cricketer who has represented the national team for over a decade. The bench eventually questioned the media house and reminded them that the truth with regard to the allegations has to be properly ascertained before being put out to the audience.

“The first respondent is a cricketer of world repute and a dedicated person who represented our Country at the highest levels of international cricket with sincerity and devotion. When an allegation is made against such an international personality, the News Channel like that of the appellant herein, has to be cautious in telecasting news reports against such person. The truth with regard to the allegations have to be properly ascertained without there being any iota of doubt,” Justice R Mahadevan and Justice Mohammed Shaffiq observed.

It has also come to light that Dhoni’s counsel argued that the media organisation questioned the cricketer’s reputation without any foundation. Meanwhile, Dhoni’s franchise, Chennai Super Kings, was banned for two years due to betting-related activities but their skipper was found guilty free. The media organization didn’t clarify the deets and questioned the faith of the cricketer. Hence, Dhoni registered a case of defamation against the organisation.