Bathinda: Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann could not appear before a trial court in Mansa on Friday in a criminal defamation case, as he was occupied with the special session of the Punjab assembly. An application for exemption from personal hearing was filed on his behalf.
Exemption Granted
The court allowed the application, exempting Mann from personal appearance for the day, and adjourned the matter to May 20. In the previous hearing on April 28, civil judge (senior division)/ACJM Rajinder Singh Nagpal had expressed displeasure that Mann had not appeared for any court hearing since October 2022. The judge had summoned him on May 1, warning that his bail could be cancelled if he failed to appear.
Change of Judge
Mann's counsel moved an application, stating that as Chief Minister, he was busy with the special session of the assembly and should be exempted from personal hearing. The case was originally scheduled before ACJM Rajinder Singh Nagpal, who has since been transferred. The matter was heard by civil judge (senior division) Shilpa, who has taken charge.
The court accepted the explanation and granted the exemption, allowing Mann to skip the hearing. The next hearing is now set for May 20. The defamation case stems from remarks made by Mann during a political rally, which allegedly defamed a former minister. The case has been pending for several months, with Mann seeking exemptions on multiple occasions due to his official duties.
Legal experts note that repeated exemptions in criminal cases can lead to stricter scrutiny by courts. However, in this instance, the court acknowledged the Chief Minister's pressing legislative responsibilities. The adjournment provides Mann temporary relief, but he will need to appear in person on the next date or face potential consequences.
