Punjab court pulls up CM Bhagwant Mann for non-appearance in defamation case

A court in Punjab's Mansa on Tuesday expressed displeasure over the repeated non-appearance of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann in an ongoing defamation case against him [Nazar Singh Manshahia v. Bhagwant Maan and Ors.]

Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) Rajinder Singh Nagpal at Mansa noted that CM Bhagwant Mann has not appeared before the court even once since October 2022, stalling further proceedings in the case. It was during his appearance then that he was granted bail after furnishing the requisite bail bonds.

Later, an application seeking exemption from personal appearance was filed on behalf of Mann on the ground of an “important meeting” in Chandigarh.

The same was considered by the Court on April 28, Tuesday. While granting exemption for the day, the court recorded the following in its order:

“On the last date of hearing, application of present accused (Bhagwant Mann) for appearing through video conference was dismissed vide detailed order and accused was directed to appear before this Court for today. However, today again exemption application has been filed on behalf of said accused on vague ground, similar to his earlier exemption applications which clearly shows his conduct and attitude towards the Court’s proceedings. However still, exemption application is allowed for today only.”

The Court further warned that coercive steps may follow if the CM fails to appear on the next date of hearing on May 1.

“However, the Counsel for the accused is directed to procure presence of accused Bhagwant Mann on the next date of hearing, failing which, his bail order shall be canceled and coercive method will be adopted to ensure his presence before this Court,” said the Court.

The matter arose from a 2019 criminal defamation complaint filed by former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Nazar Singh Manshahia against Mann and several journalists and media personnel. The complaint alleged that Mann had made statements accusing Manshahia of accepting money from the Congress party in exchange for resigning from AAP.

Manshahia maintained that the allegations regarding him receiving money in exchange for switching parties were baseless and were made to harass and defame him.

In 2020, the trial court had summoned the accused to face proceedings. Several of the co-accused, including journalists associated with The Tribune, later approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

The High Court in March 2025 quashed the complaint against them after finding no material to suggest intent to defame. Following the order, proceedings against some of the accused individuals were quashed. However, the case continues against the remaining accused including CM Mann.

The trial court has now directed that his presence be ensured on the next date of hearing on May 1.

Advocate GS Manshahia represented Nazar Singh Manshahia.

Advocate Harpreet Singh appeared for Bhagwant Mann.

Advocates BN Goyal and Vikram Singla represented the other accused.

[Read Order]