TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee NEW DELHI: The Madhya Pradesh high court has lifted the interim stay on an arrest warrant issued against Trinamool Congress MP and party general secretary Abhishek Banerjee in a defamation case, potentially adding to the legal challenges faced by the senior TMC leader.A single bench of Justice Pramod Kumar Agarwal on Wednesday dismissed Banerjee’s petition and vacated the stay granted in November 2025 on the execution of the arrest warrant issued by a special MP-MLA court in Bhopal.The warrant stems from a defamation complaint filed in 2021 by former Indore MLA Akash Vijayvargiya, son of senior BJP leader and minister Kailash Vijayvargiya.According to the complaint, Banerjee had allegedly referred to Akash Vijayvargiya as a “goon” while addressing a rally in Kolkata in November 2020. The MP-MLA court subsequently issued an arrest warrant against the TMC leader, prompting him to approach the high court for relief.In his plea before the court, Banerjee had argued that he is a Member of Parliament and was unlikely to abscond. Taking note of the submission, the high court had stayed the execution of the arrest warrant on November 12, 2025.However, during Wednesday’s hearing, no one appeared on behalf of the petitioner.Taking serious note of the absence, the court observed in its order that it appeared the petitioner had lost interest in pursuing the matter.Justice Agarwal subsequently lifted the stay on the arrest warrant, dismissed the petition and directed that a copy of the order be sent to the Bhopal court.The development comes at a time when Banerjee is also facing scrutiny in a separate Enforcement Directorate investigation related to alleged corruption charges.(With inputs from PTI)Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Jahan Thackeray Wahan Shiv Sena’: Sanjay Raut Rejects Split RumoursDefence Output More Than Doubles In Five Years As India Pushes Self-RelianceRanchi Police Arrest 2 Accused In RSS Office Petrol Bomb Attack’Calculated Move To Isolate And Endanger Her’: TMC On Mamata Security RowPM Modi, Trump Hold Bilateral Talks On Hormuz, Seafarers, Defence, Trade TiesSpeaker to Hear TMC and Rebel Camps Before Deciding on Breakaway Faction’s Claim’If India Comes Under Attack And Modi Is The Leader, US Will Help’: Trump’It’s A Rough…’: Trump Reacts To Indian Seafarers’ Deaths As PM Modi Raises ConcernsAfter BJP Exit, Annamalai Eyes New Political Party With Growing Membership Base’We Are Prepared’: Akhilesh Yadav Rejects Split Buzz, Accuses BJP of Engineering Defections | Watch123PhotostoriesBharti Singh and Haarsh Limbachiyaa’s love story: All about the couple’s romance that began with a professional collaboration8 high-protein breakfasts to try when you are bored of eggsEating chia seeds? What to do and avoid, Harvard doctor explainsFrom Jasmine to Rangoon Creeper: 5 Flowering vines that make gardens smell heavenlySuccess quote of the day by Abraham Lincoln: “Things may come to those who wait, but…”6 localities of Nagpur attracting homebuyers and real estate investorsWhat would you do? My colleague borrowed money from me and is not returning despite requests; 6 women share exactly how they dealt with itFather’s Day 2026: Father’s day traditions that never get oldBigg Boss Malayalam 8: Celebrities netizens wish to see on the showMushrooms can provide up to 1200 IU Vitamin D per 100 grams if this small thing is done before cooking them123Hot PicksOperation TigerThierry HenryLionel MessiUS fed policyCrude prices fallStock MarketSSC CGL Tier 2 final answer keyWBJEE admit cardMP board second resultTop TrendingCristiano RonaldoIshan KishanShubham GillFIFA World Cup 2026What is Legacy BadgeDownload Optifine for Minecraft 26.2Aman SangerCBSE 10th Second Board Result 2026Eknath ShindeAustria vs Jordan Match Result
NEW DELHI: The Madhya Pradesh high court has lifted the interim stay on an arrest warrant issued against Trinamool Congress MP and party general secretary Abhishek Banerjee in a defamation case, potentially adding to the legal challenges faced by the senior TMC leader.A single bench of Justice Pramod Kumar Agarwal on Wednesday dismissed Banerjee’s petition and vacated the stay granted in November 2025 on the execution of the arrest warrant issued by a special MP-MLA court in Bhopal.The warrant stems from a defamation complaint filed in 2021 by former Indore MLA Akash Vijayvargiya, son of senior BJP leader and minister Kailash Vijayvargiya.According to the complaint, Banerjee had allegedly referred to Akash Vijayvargiya as a “goon” while addressing a rally in Kolkata in November 2020. The MP-MLA court subsequently issued an arrest warrant against the TMC leader, prompting him to approach the high court for relief.In his plea before the court, Banerjee had argued that he is a Member of Parliament and was unlikely to abscond. Taking note of the submission, the high court had stayed the execution of the arrest warrant on November 12, 2025.However, during Wednesday’s hearing, no one appeared on behalf of the petitioner.Taking serious note of the absence, the court observed in its order that it appeared the petitioner had lost interest in pursuing the matter.Justice Agarwal subsequently lifted the stay on the arrest warrant, dismissed the petition and directed that a copy of the order be sent to the Bhopal court.The development comes at a time when Banerjee is also facing scrutiny in a separate Enforcement Directorate investigation related to alleged corruption charges.(With inputs from PTI)