Plaintiff Ordered to Pay Rs. 10 Lakhs to Chief Justice Relief Fund for CD Transcription and Translation Services
In a notable ruling by the Madras High Court, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the celebrated former Indian cricket captain, has been directed to pay Rs. 10,00,000 towards the transcription and translation of evidence in the form of CDs in his ongoing suit against Zee Media Corporation Limited. The decision, delivered by Justice Dr. R.N. Manjula, underscores the procedural expectations placed upon plaintiffs in civil litigation.
The case, cited as C.S. No. 185 of 2014, revolves around Dhoni’s allegations against Zee Media, although the specifics of the allegations were not elaborated upon in the court's judgment. The judgment highlights the logistical challenges associated with transcribing and translating the contents of CDs, which necessitated the engagement of an official court Interpreter and Typist due to the complexity and volume of material involved.
Justice Manjula noted that the task required substantial time and resources, estimating a commitment of three to four months from the Interpreter and Typist. Consequently, the costs for these services have been set at Rs. 10,00,000, which the court has mandated must be paid by Dhoni, the plaintiff, to the Chief Justice Relief Fund, Madras High Court.
The court reminded that, typically, plaintiffs are responsible for filing translated documents alongside their plaint. However, given the extraneous circumstances and the previous order dated 28.10.2025, the court found it obligatory for Dhoni to bear the costs associated with the transcription and translation services.
Justice Manjula has ordered that the payment be made by March 12, 2026, with the transcription and translation work expected to be completed by the third week of March 2026. The matter is scheduled to be listed for further proceedings on March 12, 2026.
This ruling highlights the procedural obligations of plaintiffs in civil cases, particularly when extraneous circumstances necessitate court intervention for evidence processing. The decision underscores the judiciary's role in ensuring fair play and procedural compliance in legal disputes.
Bottom Line:
Costs for transcription and translation of evidence in the form of CDs were directed to be borne by the plaintiff in view of extraneous circumstances requiring the engagement of an official Interpreter and Typist.
Statutory provision(s): Civil Procedure Code, 1908
Mahendra Singh Dhoni v. Zee Media Corporation Limited, (Madras) : Law Finder Doc id # 2852697
