The Delhi High Court has stayed the trial court proceedings in a criminal defamation case against Suresh Khanderao Chavhanke, anchor of a television show, while hearing his plea seeking quashing of the summoning order issued against him.
Justice Madhu Jain issued notice on Chavhanke’s plea and directed that proceedings before the trial court remain stayed until the next date of hearing. Suresh Chavhanke has approached the High Court under Section 528 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS), seeking quashing of the summoning order dated October 19, 2024, passed by the JMFC-03, South-East District, Saket Courts, Delhi. The challenge relates to proceedings in Complaint Case No. 2312/2023, Mohd. Tufail Khan v. Mufti Wajahat Qasmi & Ors.
In the complaint, Suresh Chavhanke has been summoned for alleged offences punishable under Sections 499 and 500 read with Sections 34 and 120B of the Indian Penal Code, 1860. Complainant alleged that Mufti Wajahat Qasmi had made allegations in August and September 2022 accusing the organisation of involvement in “anti-national activities”, illegal funding and brainwashing children. The allegations were subsequently amplified through social media posts and television interviews, including programmes broadcast by Sudarshan TV.
Appearing for Chavhanke, his counsel submitted before the High Court that he was only an anchor of a TV Show and that there was no criminal intention on his part.
The High Court thereafter issued notice. Learned APP for the State accepted notice, while the Court directed that Respondent No. 2 be served through all permissible modes, including electronic mode. The matter has been made returnable on October 28, 2026.
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