Bajrang Punia Summoned by Delhi Court in Criminal Defamation Case

New Delhi: Wrestler Bajrang Punia has been summoned by a Delhi court on September 6, following a criminal defamation complaint filed against him by wrestling coach Naresh Dahiya. Metropolitan Magistrate Yashdeep Chahal stated that the court is of the “prima facie” view that all the elements of defamation are evident based on the complaint, supporting documents, and pre-summoning evidence.

The complaint alleges that Bajrang Punia, along with others, made defamatory remarks against Dahiya during a press conference on May 10 at Jantar Mantar. The conference was held to protest the alleged sexual harassment of certain women wrestlers by the outgoing Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

The court clarified that at the stage of summoning, it is not required to consider the potential defences that may be presented by the accused. The judge emphasized that the statement made during the press conference appears to be driven by malicious intent and lacks good faith.

Consequently, Bajrang Punia has been summoned to face charges under Section 499 read with Section 500 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which pertain to criminal defamation.