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In the fast-paced world of Punjab politics, where every move is scrutinized, even a routine court hearing can turn into a headline. This week, former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Singh Badal made waves not for appearing in court, but for successfully requesting to stay away.
On Monday, February 16, 2026, a Chandigarh district court granted Badal a temporary exemption from personal appearance in a defamation case that has been trailing him for nearly a decade.
The Reason for the Absence
Legal battles often clash with political duties, and this time was no different. Badal’s legal team filed an application citing a crucial high-level party meeting as the reason he could not attend the hearing in person. The court, acknowledging the professional commitment, allowed the exemption for the day, providing a momentary breather for the Akali leader.
The Roots of the Conflict: 2017 Revisited
To understand why this case matters, we have to look back to January 2017. During the heat of the Punjab Assembly election campaign, then-Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal visited the home of Rajinder Pal Singh, a spokesperson for the religious organization Akhand Kirtani Jatha.
Following that meeting, Sukhbir Badal allegedly made statements describing the organization as the "political face of a terrorist group." This triggered a criminal defamation suit by Singh, who claimed the remarks were baseless and intended to tarnish his reputation and that of his organization.
A Rough Legal Road
The journey of this case has been anything but smooth:
The High Court Setback: In October 2025, the Punjab and Haryana High Court dismissed Badal’s plea to quash the complaint, directing the trial to proceed.
The Warrant Scare: In late December 2025, the court briefly cancelled his bail and issued a non-bailable warrant after he missed previous hearings.
The Re-Appearance: Badal surrendered and was granted fresh bail in mid-January 2026, assuring the court of his future cooperation.
Why It Matters Today
While an exemption for a single day might seem minor, it reflects the ongoing legal pressure on the SAD chief as he tries to navigate a challenging political landscape. For the people of Punjab, this case is more than just a legal dispute; it is a reminder of the high-stakes rhetoric that defines election cycles.
As the case moves forward, the question remains: will the court find the statements to be mere "political rhetoric," or will they be labeled as a bridge too far? For now, the gavel has paused, but the trial is far from over.
Read More: Beyond the Headlines Understanding the 9-Year-Old Defamation Case Haunting Sukhbir Badal
