Court Acquits Nawab Malik as Defamation Case Withdrawn

A Mumbai court has closed the defamation case against former Maharashtra minister Nawab Malik after BJP member Mohit Kamboj withdrew his complaint. Kamboj had accused Malik of defaming him and his brother-in-law following a 2021 NCB raid. The court ruled Malik acquitted under IPC section 500.

A Mumbai magistrate court has closed defamation proceedings against former Maharashtra minister Nawab Malik after a complaint withdrawal by BJP functionary Mohit Kamboj. The decision led to Malik's acquittal under IPC section 500.

Kamboj's withdrawal came after he expressed his inability to attend court sessions daily, filing an application under section 257 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). The provision allows complainants to retract their complaint prior to a final order, provided the magistrate consents, resulting in the accused's acquittal.

The case originated from Kamboj's 2021 complaint, accusing Malik of defamation during a press conference involving a cruise ship raid. Despite allegations against Malik for defamation under IPC sections 499 and 500, Kamboj withdrew citing no external pressure.

(With inputs from agencies.)