SC scraps SAD chief Badal’s plea to quash 2017 defamation case

SC scraps SAD chief Badal’s plea to quash 2017 defamation case over linking AKJ with terror outfit TOI News Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Aug 21, 2026, 18:09 IST Comments Share AA Text Size Small Medium Large SC dismisses Sukhbir Badal's plea against defamation case over BKI-AKJ remarks NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday refused to interfere with criminal defamation proceedings against Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president and former Punjab deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal over alleged remarks linking religious organisation Akhand Kirtani Jatha (AKJ) with banned terrorist outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI).A bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and Sheel Nagu dismissed Badal’s challenge. The proceedings were initiated by Rajinder Pal Singh, an AKJ member who alleged that the former minister’s remarks damaged his reputation by associating him with the banned organisation."We have read this order. What is alleged against you (Badal)? You say that this organisation is a terrorist organisation and this complainant is the spokesperson of the other organisation which is the political front...," the bench said.According to PTI, advocate appearing for Badal said, "He (complainant) says he is the spokesperson. We don't know who has authorised him."The bench then dismissed the plea.What's the case?The controversy dates back to the 2017 Punjab Assembly elections, when then Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal visited Singh’s residence. Badal had subsequently accused Kejriwal of reaching out to “radicals” in Punjab, according to the allegations in the complaint. A Chandigarh magistrate later took cognisance of the complaint and summoned Badal. Badal challenged the proceedings before the Punjab and Haryana High Court, but the court rejected his plea in October 2025.Badal then approached the Supreme Court, which on Friday found no ground to interfere with the pending proceedings, news agency ANI reported. The TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most." [Image text:] HHCO M.98725-10004 SeF