Archive · 3 Oct 2026
SAD Warns of Defamation Cases Over False Allegations
The Shiromani Akali Dal says some claims about its leaders are false and harmful.
It has appointed a committee to look at claims shared on social media and other media.
The committee will be led by Amardeep Singh Dharni.
SAD says it may take people to court for criminal defamation if they spread false rumours or malicious content.
The party also asked political groups to focus on issues facing Punjab during elections.
Its spokesman said district-level teams may be formed later.
The report does not include responses from the people accused of making the claims or from media organisations.
The Shiromani Akali Dal urged political parties to focus on issues facing Punjab rather than make what it called false accusations.
SAD spokesman Arshdeep Singh Kler said a 12-member sub-committee would examine allegations circulated on social media.
The committee will be headed by Amardeep Singh Dharni and will review newspapers, websites, channels and other media, Kler said.
SAD warned that it would file criminal defamation cases against people it says spread false rumours and malicious content.
Kler said district-level teams may be formed and asked broadcasters to obtain authorised, signed reactions before airing news about SAD and its leaders.
- Who
- The Shiromani Akali Dal, through chief spokesman Arshdeep Singh Kler, announced the review and legal warning.
- What
- SAD said a committee would examine allegations about its leaders and warned that it may pursue criminal defamation cases.
- When
- Saturday, October 3; the year is not specified.
- Where
- Chandigarh; the allegations were said to be circulating on social media and other media platforms.
- Why
- SAD said it wanted to address what it described as false, baseless and malicious allegations targeting its leaders.
SAD's position
Freedom of speech
Allegations about party leaders
SAD's position
SAD says it will examine alleged false or malicious claims about its leaders and file criminal defamation cases against those responsible.
Freedom of speech
The report mentions freedom of speech in connection with the dispute, but does not include a response from critics, broadcasters, or other political parties.
Reporting on SAD
SAD's position
SAD spokesman Arshdeep Singh Kler said digital channels and broadcasters should first obtain authorised, signed reactions before airing news about the party and its leaders.
Freedom of speech
The article provides no response from media organisations or other parties to this request.
- Party
- Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)
- Announcement date
- Saturday, October 3; the year is not specified
- Location
- Chandigarh
- Sub-committee
- A 12-member committee will examine allegations circulated on social media
- Committee head
- Amardeep Singh Dharni
- SAD spokesman
- Arshdeep Singh Kler
- Proposed action
- SAD warned of criminal defamation cases against people spreading what it considers false rumours and malicious content