Keywords– Madras High Court, MS Dhoni, Zee Media, Defamation Case, Allegations, Media Ethics, Public Figures
Chennai, September 1, 2023 – In a noteworthy judgment, the Madras High Court has sent a resounding message to media outlets, emphasizing the need for responsible journalism and caution when leveling allegations against internationally acclaimed individuals like cricketer MS Dhoni. The court’s ruling comes in the midst of an ongoing defamation suit filed by Dhoni against Zee Media.
The division bench, comprising Justice R Mahadevan and Justice Mohammed Shaffiq, expressed profound concern over the potential harm inflicted by unverified allegations on the reputation of individuals who have earned worldwide recognition. MS Dhoni, known for his unwavering dedication and representing India at the pinnacle of international cricket, was highlighted as a prime example.
“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, a news channel like the appellant herein has to be cautious in telecasting news reports against such an individual. The truth with regard to the allegations has to be properly ascertained without there being any iota of doubt,” the bench firmly articulated.
The defamation suit filed by Dhoni revolves around allegedly defamatory reports connecting him to the 2013 IPL Betting Scandal. Dhoni’s legal representatives argued that Zee Media had levied these allegations without any substantiated basis. It’s noteworthy that the Justice Mudgal Committee, established to investigate allegations of betting and spot-fixing in Indian Premier League matches, did not implicate Dhoni in any misconduct.
Despite the absence of concrete evidence, Zee Media publicly expressed their opinions, casting grave accusations against Dhoni without substantial proof. In response, Dhoni sought a restraining order against the news channel, barring them from publishing, republishing, or telecasting any reports, articles, programs, debates, discussions, or any other content related to the alleged report of Sampath Kumar IPS. Furthermore, Dhoni demanded damages exceeding Rs. 100 Crore.
The recent legal dispute primarily centered on interrogatories, which are formal written questions used in legal proceedings. Zee Media had contested the interrogatories raised by Dhoni, contending that they resembled cross-examination questions and served as an attempt to prepare for chief examination. However, the single bench had previously ruled in favor of Dhoni, recognizing that the interrogatories were intended to gather additional information.
In their appeal, Zee Media argued that the single judge had not properly evaluated the reasonableness, vexatiousness, prolixity, and oppression associated with the interrogatories. Nevertheless, the court disagreed, underscoring the fundamental purpose of interrogatories, which is to understand the opposing party’s case and bolster one’s own arguments. Additionally, the court noted that the interrogatories were administered after the issues were framed, indicating a direct link between the questions and the core matter at hand. Consequently, the court upheld the single judge’s order, reaffirming the significance of thorough verification and responsible journalism when involving globally renowned figures like MS Dhoni in potentially damaging allegations.
This ruling serves as a stark reminder of the judiciary’s commitment to safeguarding the integrity and reputation of public figures while highlighting the crucial role media organizations play in maintaining ethical reporting standards.
Written by- Shuniti Sinha, College name –Â Brainware University , Semester- 7th, an intern under Legal Vidhiya
0 Comments