The Madhya Pradesh High Court has dismissed the petition submitted by Abhishek Banerjee, the National General Secretary of the Trinamool Congress (TMC). This ruling also vacates the interim stay that had been placed on an arrest warrant issued against him. The decision was announced during a hearing on June 17, 2026, and will allow the execution of the arrest warrant to proceed in connection with a defamation case.

Background of the Case

The case originated in November 2020 during a political rally in Kolkata, where Abhishek Banerjee allegedly described BJP leader Akash Vijayvargiya, the son of senior BJP figure Kailash Vijayvargiya, as a “gunda,” meaning goon. This prompted Akash Vijayvargiya to file a defamation complaint against Banerjee in the Special MP-MLA Court located in Bhopal.

Throughout the trial, the Bhopal court expressed concern over Banerjee’s repeated absence from the hearings. His non-appearance led the court to issue an arrest warrant as a measure to ensure his compliance with legal proceedings. The judge indicated a growing frustration with the lack of representation on behalf of Banerjee during the hearings.

Justice Pramod Kumar Agrawal, who presided over the case, highlighted in the recent order that no legal counsel appeared for the petitioner, even during multiple rounds of hearings. The judge remarked that it appeared as though the petitioner had lost interest in pursuing the matter. As a result, the case was dismissed for want of prosecution.

Implications of the Court’s Ruling

By vacating the stay on the arrest warrant, the High Court’s ruling allows the trial court to proceed with the case without any further delays. This development may signal the end of legal recourse for Banerjee in this instance, particularly given the court’s comments on his absence. The next steps will depend on whether Banerjee chooses to engage in the legal process moving forward.

The prior stay of execution on the arrest warrant, which had been granted on November 12, 2025, was intended to prevent immediate action against him. However, with this new ruling, that stay is now terminated, and the arrest warrant can be executed without hindrance.

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how this ruling will affect Banerjee’s political career and his party’s standing in the political landscape of the region. Furthermore, the case has already drawn significant attention, considering the prominent figures involved and the potential legal ramifications of the court’s decision.

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