Delhi court grants Bajrang Punia exemption from personal appearance in defamation case

NEW DELHI: A Delhi court has granted wrestler Bajrang Punia an exemption from personal appearance for the day in a criminal defamation complaint filed against him by wrestling coach Naresh Dahiya.
Metropolitan Magistrate Yashdeep Chahal, presiding over the case, had summoned Bajrang Punia to appear in court today. However, the wrestler's legal counsel requested an exemption on medical grounds, citing Punia's ongoing battle with fever.
Acknowledging the submissions made by Punia's legal team, the court decided to grant him relief from appearing in person and subsequently adjourned the matter to September 14, 2023.This adjournment implies that the case will resume and further proceedings will occur on the specified date.
Furthermore, the judge issued a directive to the complainant, wrestling coach Naresh Dahiya, instructing him to provide a copy of the defamation complaint to Bajrang Punia's legal representative. This procedural step ensures that both parties have access to the relevant documents pertaining to the case.
The criminal defamation complaint against Bajrang Punia revolves around allegations that he, in conjunction with other individuals, made defamatory remarks against Naresh Dahiya during a press conference held at Jantar Mantar on May 10, 2023. This press conference was organized in protest against the alleged sexual harassment of female wrestlers, reportedly committed by the outgoing Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and BJP MP, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
The court had earlier formed a prima facie view that the essential elements of defamation were evident in the case, leading to the summoning of Bajrang Punia. However, the wrestler's exemption from personal appearance was subsequently granted on medical grounds. The legal proceedings are scheduled to continue on September 14, 2023, as the case unfolds.
(With inputs from PTI)