The Gujarat High Court on September 21 gave Adani Enterprises Limited additional time to respond to journalist Ravi Nair’s plea challenging his custody in a criminal defamation case. Justice M.K. Thakker heard the matter and listed it for further hearing on September 23, 2026.
Background
Nair was convicted by a Judicial Magistrate First Class at Mansa on February 10, 2026, in a criminal defamation case filed by Adani Enterprises. He was sentenced to one year of simple imprisonment and fined ₹5,000. Nair subsequently appealed against the conviction before the Sessions Court, which suspended his sentence and granted him bail subject to conditions, including personal appearance.
On September 3, Nair did not appear personally before the Sessions Court and sought exemption from personal appearance. The request was rejected and a non-bailable warrant was issued. When Nair appeared before the court on September 17 and sought cancellation of the warrant, his application was rejected and he was sent to judicial custody.
Nair’s counsel, Abhik Chimni, pressed for interim release, arguing that the matter was already at the appellate stage and questioning the need for continued custody.
Adani Enterprises, represented by senior counsel Mitesh Amin, sought time to place certain legal and factual aspects before the Court.
The High Court observed:
"In the opinion of this Court, when the complainant is represented on issuance of notice, a fair opportunity is required to be given."
The Court also indicated that the complainant would be given an opportunity to respond, while the matter would be taken up again shortly.
Justice M.K. Thakker granted Adani Enterprises time to file its response to Nair’s plea. The High Court did not grant the interim release sought during the hearing and listed the matter for September 23, 2026.
