MUMBAI: The Supreme Court of India has extended the stay on defamation proceedings against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Cabinet Minister Atishi Marlena. The case, initiated by Delhi BJP leader Rajiv Babbar, pertains to alleged defamatory remarks made by the Aam Aadmi Party leaders. A bench comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta heard the matter and decided to continue the suspension of trial court proceedings until the next hearing. The court has scheduled the matter for further consideration in July 2025. The defamation complaint was filed in 2019, accusing Kejriwal and Atishi of making statements that allegedly tarnished the reputation of the BJP and its leaders. The trial court had taken cognizance of the complaint, prompting the AAP leaders to approach the Supreme Court seeking relief. The court’s decision to extend the stay provides temporary relief to Kejriwal and Atishi, allowing them to avoid trial court appearances until the matter is revisited. Court is expected to examine the merits of the case and the arguments presented by both parties in the upcoming hearing.