State vs Sukhbir Singh Badal — criminal defamation case over remarks linking AKJ to terror outfit

Updates

1. Hearing4 Sep 2026

   Supreme Court dismisses Sukhbir Singh Badal's plea to quash criminal defamation case

   The Supreme Court of India dismissed a plea filed by SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal seeking to quash a 2017 criminal defamation complaint. The complaint pertains to remarks made by Badal allegedly linking the Akhand Kirtani Jatha (AKJ) to the banned terror outfit Babbar Khalsa International.

   Explanation in simple terms

   The Supreme Court has decided not to cancel the criminal defamation case filed against Sukhbir Singh Badal. This case involves comments he made linking a specific group to a terror organization. Because the court dismissed his request to stop the proceedings, the legal case against him will continue. He will now have to face the trial in the lower court to address these accusations.

   tribuneindia.com
2. News21 Aug 2026

   Supreme Court refuses to quash defamation case against Sukhbir Singh Badal for comment linking AKJ to terror outfit

   Supreme Court hears former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal’s plea seeking quashing of a criminal defamation case over his alleged remarks linking Akhand Kirtani Jatha (AKJ) with banned terror outfit Babbar Khalsa International.

   Explanation in simple terms

   Sukhbir Singh Badal made public comments connecting a religious organization called AKJ to terrorism. Someone sued him for defamation, claiming these statements damaged their reputation. He asked India's highest court to dismiss the case, but the court refused. This means the defamation case will continue and he may face legal consequences if found guilty of making false, harmful statements.

   barandbench.com