In a criminal defamation case brought by wrestling instructor Naresh Dahiya, The Patiala house court has summoned Olympic bronze medalist wrestler Bajrang Punia. The incident started after Punia mentioned a rape case Dahiya was facing at Tis Hazari Court during a news conference at Jantar Mantar on May 10, 2023. The court had issued summons to Punia to appear before it on September 6, 2023.
Bajrang Punia’s comments, according to Mr. Dahiya, were derogatory and had harmed his reputation. He added that Punia’s words had been made with malice in mind. The case is still ongoing and outcome remains to be seen. Article will give all details on the case
About Bajrang Punia: A Wrestling Sensation
Bajrang Punia was born on February 26, 1994, in Khudan village of Jhajjar district, Haryana, India. He showed a natural flair for wrestling at a young age and started training with Shri Satpal Singh as his instructor. Punia advanced through the ranks as his abilities improved, emerging as a significant figure in the Indian wrestling community.
When Punia won a gold medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and a silver medal in the 2018 Asian Games, his career reached its pinnacle. These victories propelled him to worldwide recognition and cemented his position as one of India’s best wrestlers.
Punia has also received the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, the Padma Shri, and the Arjuna Award. These honours, which are the greatest that an Indian athlete can receive, are a tribute to Punia’s wrestling prowess.
Allegations Against Bajrang Punia in Defamation Case
The Patiala house court, Delhi issued the summon on 3rd August, 2023 in a defamation case against him by Wrestling Coach (Naresh Dahiya). He has been summoned for 6th September,2023 as an accused.
It came to notice that during the press conference wrestlers protest held on May 10, 2023; Bajrang Punia made remark against Complainant Naresh Dahiya during that press conference for the ongoing rape case against the complainant.
The court found out that, the accused Bajrang Punia referred complainant by his name and stated that he has no say in wrestlers protest as he himself has been accused of rape and matter is pending in Tis Hazari Court (Delhi). It is being said by complainant, Bajrang is part of same wrestling community and he knows that he was acquitted of rape case in 2019.
The court under Metropolitan Magistrate Yashdeep Chahal, stated that on issuing the summon as per the evidence presented and consideration of complainant (Naresh Dahiya), he is of prima facie view that the remarks made during the press conference are not in good faith. Hence, all the elements for defamation case are applicable.
Bajrang Punia has accused for the offence which punishable under section 499 and section 500 according to Indian Penal code. The Advocates of complainant submitted that the acquittal facts were well known by accused and the statement was made just to tarnish the image of complainant as he supported the WFI (Wrestling Federation of India) President during the wrestlers protest.
Summary of Bajrang Punia Defamation Case
- The case was filed by Naresh Dahiya, a wrestling coach, against Bajrang Punia, an Olympic bronze medalist wrestler.
- The case was filed in a Delhi court.
- The case was filed on May 10, 2023.
- The case stems from a press conference held on May 10, 2023, at Jantar Mantar.
- In the press conference, Punia made a reference to an ongoing rape case against Dahiya in Tis Hazari Court.
- Dahiya alleged that Punia’s remarks were defamatory and had damaged his reputation.
- The court issued summons to Punia to appear before it on September 6, 2023.
- Punia has denied the allegations and said that he will defend himself in court.
Understanding Defamation
Defamation is a legal term that refers to making false statements about an individual or entity with the intent to harm their reputation. It can take the form of either slander (spoken defamatory statements) or libel (written defamatory statements). Proving defamation requires demonstrating that the statements were false, harmful, and made without any basis of truth.
Journey ahead and Conclusion
Bajrang Punia’s remarkable journey from a small village in Haryana to becoming an Olympic medalist is a testament to his unwavering spirit and commitment to wrestling. He has not only made his family and nation proud but also left an indelible mark on the world of sports. The defamation case against Bajrang Punia by the wrestling coach brought forth numerous issues that require attention and he must come clean against the acquisitions being made as he is also set to lead Indian wrestling contingent in Asian Games.
