Dhoni moves criminal contempt plea in Madras HC against IPS officer Sampath Kumar

CHENNAI: Cricketer M S Dhoni has moved a criminal contempt of court petition against IPS officer G Sampath Kumar for his alleged remarks against the Supreme Court and the Madras high court in a pleading filed by the officer.

The additional written statement was filed by Sampath Kumar in a civil suit moved by Dhoni seeking Rs 100 crore damages from the officer and Zee Media Corporation for making match-fixing allegations against him.

Since the advocate general of Tamil Nadu R Shunmugasundaram accorded his consent to move the criminal contempt as per the procedure, the plea was listed for hearing before a division bench headed by Justice P N Prakash on Friday.

However, the plea was not taken up for hearing till the end of the day and is likely to be listed for hearing on Tuesday.

In an additional written statement dated December 17, 2021 filed by him, Sampath Kumar made scandalous and contumacious statements against the apex court and the high court, Dhoni alleged.

Highlighting such statements in the IPS officer’s pleading, Dhoni said, “He has stated that the Supreme Court deviated its focus on the rule of law and shelved the deposition of the Justice Mudgal Committee (constituted to probe 2013 match-fixing allegations) and kept it in a sealed cover for reasons he failed to comprehend.”

He had further added that the Supreme Court had motive in not providing the sealed cover to CBI officer Vivek Priyandarshini for investigation, Dhoni alleged.

This apart, the officer had also maligned, disrespected and scandalised the Madras high court and made false allegations against designated senior counsels of the court including the office of the advocate general of Tamil Nadu, Dhoni said.

Therefore, Dhoni wanted the court to allow his petition and punish Sampath Kumar for criminal contempt of court.


Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India. Don't miss daily games like Crossword, Sudoku, and Mini Crossword.