The Delhi High Court has stayed proceedings before the Saket trial court against Sudarshan TV anchor Suresh Khanderao Chavhanke in a criminal defamation complaint.
Justice Madhu Jain passed the order on August 21, 2026, while hearing Chavhanke’s petition seeking to quash the summoning order issued by the trial court.
Background of the Case
Chavhanke approached the High Court under Section 528 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), challenging the October 19, 2024 summoning order passed by the JMFC-03, South-East District, Saket Courts.
The complaint, titled Mohd. Tufail Khan v. Mufti Wajahat Qasmi & Ors., concerns allegations under Sections 499 and 500 read with Sections 34 and 120B of the Indian Penal Code.
During the hearing, Chavhanke’s counsel submitted that he was only an anchor of a television show and argued that there was no criminal intention on his part.
The High Court issued notice to the concerned respondent. The State accepted notice through the Additional Public Prosecutor.
The Court directed that the respondent be served through all permissible modes, including electronic mode, with the matter made returnable on October 28, 2026.
Justice Jain ordered,
“Till the next date of hearing, there shall be a stay on the Trial Court proceedings.”
Case Details
Case Title: Suresh Khanderao Chavhanke v. State of NCT of Delhi & Anr.
Case Number: CRL.M.C. 4617/2026
Judge: Justice Madhu Jain
Decision Date: August 21, 2026
