In a recent development, renowned Indian wrestler Bajrang Punia has been summoned by a Delhi court on September 6 to face criminal defamation allegations filed against him by wrestling coach Naresh Dahiya. The Metropolitan Magistrate, Yashdeep Chahal, has expressed a "prima facie" view that the elements of defamation are present in the case.
The court emphasized that, at this summoning stage, it is not necessary to delve into a comparative analysis of potential defenses that may be taken by the accused. Instead, the court's focus is on the evidence presented, and in this case, the evidence seems to suggest that the statement made by Bajrang Punia during a press conference held on May 10 at Jantar Mantar was motivated by malicious intent and not made in good faith, as PTI reported.
The complaint against Punia and other wrestlers/persons alleges that they made defamatory remarks against Naresh Dahiya during the said press conference. The conference took place as part of a protest against 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 upcoming court appearance on September 6 will be crucial for Bajrang Punia, as he will have to defend himself against the charges of criminal defamation under Section 499 read with Section 500 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
