New Delhi (Agency): In a recent development, 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, who had summoned Punia to appear before the court on this day, granted him relief after his lawyer sought exemption on medical grounds. The lawyer claimed that the wrestler was unable to appear due to illness, specifically a fever.
Taking these medical reasons into consideration, the court adjourned the matter and scheduled the next hearing for September 14. Additionally, the judge directed the complainant, Naresh Dahiya, to provide a copy of the complaint to Bajrang Punia’s lawyer.
The court’s decision to summon Bajrang Punia was based on its “prima facie” view that the elements of defamation were present in the case. The complainant, Naresh Dahiya, alleged that Bajrang Punia, along with other wrestlers and individuals, had made defamatory remarks against him during a press conference at Jantar Mantar on May 10. The press conference was held as part of a protest against alleged sexual harassment of some women wrestlers by the outgoing Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and BJP MP, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
The exemption granted to Bajrang Punia underscores the importance of considering medical conditions when requiring individuals to appear in court. This development allows the wrestler to address the defamation case at a later date, ensuring that he can fully participate in the legal proceedings when he is in better health. The case will continue to be closely monitored as it unfolds in the coming weeks.