MS Dhoni Faces Defamation Case from Ex-Business Partners: Legal Showdown on Jan 18
This comes after MS Dhoni has already accused the partners of defrauding him out of nearly ₹15 crore in a criminal case.
In a surprising turn of events, ex-Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni finds himself entangled in a defamation case, as reported by PTI on Tuesday. This legal saga is initiated by two former business partners, Mihir Diwakar and his wife Soumya Das, and is scheduled for a hearing in the Delhi High Court on January 18.
Origins of the Dispute: A Recap of Dhoni's Previous Legal Action
This defamation case arises from a previous criminal case filed by MS Dhoni against Mihir Diwakar and Soumya Das. The cricketer had accused them of duping him of a substantial sum, exceeding ₹15 crore. Now, the tables have turned as Dhoni's ex-business partners seek legal recourse.
The Defamation Plea: Seeking Injunction and Damages
In response to the alleged defamation, Mihir Diwakar and Soumya Das have approached the high court, aiming for a permanent injunction and damages not only against MS Dhoni but also against various social media platforms and media houses. Their plea seeks to restrain the dissemination of what they claim to be defamatory and false statements.
Legal Showdown: What to Expect on January 18
The defamation plea against MS Dhoni is slated for a hearing on January 18, presided over by Justice Prathiba M Singh. This legal confrontation is poised to shed light on the intricacies of the dispute and potentially determine the course of future actions.
Grounds for the Plea: Protecting Reputation Amidst Allegations
In their plea, Dhoni's former business partners emphasize the need for the court to intervene, preventing further damage to their reputation. They specifically cite "false allegations" made by Dhoni, relating to purported illegal gains of ₹15 crores and a breach of a contractual agreement dating back to 2017.
Backstory: The Genesis of the Legal Fracas
The roots of this legal turmoil trace back to 2017, when Mihir Diwakar and Soumya Vishwas, directors of 'Aarka Sports,' approached MS Dhoni for the establishment of cricket academies. According to Dhoni's lawyer, Dayanand Singh, the agreement outlined a clear fee structure, with profits to be shared on a 70:30 basis. However, the partners allegedly deviated from the agreement, setting up academies without Dhoni's knowledge and failing to fulfill financial obligations.
Escalation and Legal Action: Dhoni's Pursuit of Justice
Frustrated by the alleged deception, MS Dhoni filed a criminal case on October 27, 2023, citing violations of Sections 406 and 420 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Despite legal notices, the accused purportedly continued their actions, leading to a legal battle that has now entered the courtroom.
The Human Element: Former Friends Now Legal Adversaries
Adding a poignant touch to this legal drama, Mihir Diwakar, once a friend who played alongside Dhoni in the Ranji Trophy, now stands on the opposite side of a courtroom. The intricacies of this dispute reveal the complex intersections of personal relationships and professional dealings in the world of sports and business.
