Supreme Court Stays Bailable Warrants Against Indian Politicians

The Supreme Court has paused bailable warrants against Indian politicians, including Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, in a defamation lawsuit by Congress MP Vivek Tankha. The issue stems from reported statements related to Panchayat elections in Madhya Pradesh that allegedly damaged Tankha's reputation.

In a significant reprieve to top BJP leaders, including Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the Supreme Court on Monday stayed the execution of bailable warrants in a high-profile defamation case filed by Congress MP Vivek Tankha.

The bench, comprising Justices Hrishikesh Roy and S V N Bhatti, has sought a response from Tankha within four weeks regarding the challenge to the Madhya Pradesh High Court's order, which refused to dismiss the defamation case against Chouhan and others.

The defamation complaint revolves around alleged defamatory statements made during the Panchayat elections in Madhya Pradesh in 2021. Tankha claims the statements were part of a coordinated effort by BJP leaders to damage his reputation, while BJP leaders contest the accusations, citing legal protections.

(With inputs from agencies.)