Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Gets Interim Exemption From Personal Appearance In Defamation Case Filed By Former AAP MLA

The Punjab & Haryana High Court issued notice on a plea filed by Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, challenging a Magistrate court order summoning him in a defamation case filed by former AAP MLA Nazar Singh Manshahia.

The case filed back in 2019 alleges that Mann made defamatory statement against Manshahia in a press conference. Mann allegedly said that Manshahia joined Congress party for Rs 10 crore and on the assurance of Chairmanship of Punjab Pollution Control Board.

In 2022, Mann had appeared before the CJM court seeking bail and the same was allowed. 

Justice Tribhuvan Dahiya while issuing notice to the State and the complainant, granted Mann interim relief from appearance in the trial court and asked him to move an application to seek further exemption.

The Additional Chief Magistrate of Punjab's Mansa Court had on August 02, refused to grant Mann exemption from further hearings and said “If the accused (CM Bhagwant Mann and others) did not appear before the Court on next date of hearing, their bail will be cancelled.”

Mann alleges that the complaint is based solely on newspaper reports and despite the fact that no member from the public has been examined by the Complainant in support of his assertions, solely on the basis of the preliminary testimony of the Complainant Mann has been summoned to face trial vide the summoning order.

The matter is deferred for August 18, for further consideration.

Title: Bhagwant Mann v. State Of Punjab

Mr. Rahul Sharma-I, Advocate, and Mr. Arpandeep Narula, Advocate, for the petitioner.

Click here to read/download the order