The Patiala House Court in Delhi on Thursday compounded a defamation case filed against Olympic medalist wrestler Bajrang Punia after he issued an unconditional apology to wrestling coach Naresh Dahiya.

Metropolitan Magistrate Yashdeep Chahal passed the order, noting that the matter stood resolved between the parties. A detailed order is awaited.

In his written apology, Punia stated:

“I tender my unconditional apology to Mr. Naresh Dahiya for the wrong and insensitive statement made by me against him during the press conference held at Jantar Mantar during the agitation, in public view.”

The case stemmed from a criminal defamation complaint filed by Dahiya, who alleged that Punia made defamatory remarks about him during a press interaction on May 10, 2023, amid a protest at Jantar Mantar. Punia had reportedly referred to an old rape case against Dahiya, claiming he lacked the credibility to oppose the wrestlers' protest. However, Dahiya had already been acquitted in that case in 2019—a fact he asserted was known to Punia, as they belong to the same professional community.

Earlier, on August 3, 2023, the court had summoned Punia after reviewing the complaint, supporting documents, and pre-summoning evidence. The court had noted that a prima facie case of defamation was made out under Sections 499 and 500 of the Indian Penal Code, adding that the remarks appeared “malicious and not made in good faith.”

Punia, who had appeared before the court and secured bail earlier in the proceedings, was represented by Advocate Tushar Giri. Giri informed the court that the matter had now been amicably settled following Punia’s apology.

Coach Naresh Dahiya was represented by Advocate Rajesh Kumar Rexwal, along with Advocates Ravinder Singh and Lovinder Chaudhary. Advocate Rexwal confirmed that the complaint was compounded after the apology was received.

The case highlights the legal ramifications of public statements made during protests, particularly when reputations are at stake. With the matter now closed, both parties have opted for a conciliatory end to the legal dispute.