Chandigarh, Feb 16: The Shiromani Akali Dal chief, Sukhbir Singh Badal, was excused from appearing in court on Monday after filing an exemption application citing organizational commitments. The court of the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate accepted the request, setting the next hearing for February 27.
The defense counsel asserted that the SAD leader had to attend a high-level meeting in Badal village involving party veterans and representatives from across the state. The petition stated that because the meeting involved critical discussions on Punjab’s current political and social landscape, Badal’s attendance was essential.
This defamation litigation involves a 2017 dispute where Rajinder Pal Singh of the Akhand Kirtani Jatha alleged that Badal’s public comments damaged the organization’s reputation. The controversy emerged during the 2017 election cycle after the spokesperson met with the national convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party.
While the court had previously issued a non-bailable warrant due to earlier non-appearances, the SAD president remains out on bail. The latest application affirmed his commitment to the judicial process, with his legal team declaring that he would appear before the court positively on the upcoming February date.
