CHANDIGARH, Jan 17 — Former Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal secured bail from the court of the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate on Saturday, resolving a warrant issued during a previous hearing. The legal battle centers on comments Badal made nearly nine years ago regarding a religious organization’s political affiliations.
The court heard arguments regarding a statement issued in January 2017, where Badal allegedly linked the Akhand Kirtani Jatha to militant elements. Counsel for the complainant noted that the remarks were defamatory and made with the specific intent of damaging the image of the organization and its spokesperson.
“The case was filed at the behest of the complainant due to some political reasons,” Badal’s advocates mentioned while seeking relief.
The defense team noted that the legal action lacks merit and was a reaction to political developments at the time. Despite the police recording statements from both parties in 2019, the case has continued to move through the judicial system, leading to the recent cancellation of Badal’s bail bond.
After hearing both sides, the judge granted the bail application, allowing the Akali Dal president to remain at liberty as the trial proceeds.
