A Gandhinagar Sessions Court on Thursday granted regular bail to journalist Ravi Nair, who had been taken into custody following the issuance of a non-bailable warrant in a criminal defamation case instituted by Adani Enterprises Ltd.
Principal District and Sessions Judge Ashish JS Malhotra allowed Nair’s bail application. Nair had been sent to judicial custody on September 17 after the appellate court declined to recall the non-bailable warrant issued in connection with his failure to remain personally present during the proceedings arising from his challenge to the defamation conviction.
The criminal proceedings stem from a complaint by Adani Enterprises alleging that Nair had published and circulated a series of posts on social media containing statements which, according to the company, were false and defamatory and had the effect of harming the reputation of the company and the wider Adani Group.
A Judicial Magistrate First Class court at Mansa had, on February 10, 2026, convicted Nair for criminal defamation and sentenced him to one year of simple imprisonment besides imposing a fine of ₹5,000. Nair subsequently challenged the conviction before the Gandhinagar Sessions Court.
On March 9, the appellate court suspended the sentence and granted Nair bail during the pendency of his appeal, subject to conditions including his appearance before the court during the appellate proceedings.
A subsequent controversy arose over his personal appearance. On September 3, the appellate court rejected his request for exemption from appearing in person and issued a non-bailable warrant. The court later declined to cancel the warrant and, on September 17, directed that Nair be taken into custody. Reports stated that Nair’s legal team had attributed his inability to appear personally to health-related difficulties and the need to travel from Kerala.
The post Gandhinagar Court grants regular bail to journalist Ravi Nair in Adani defamation case appeared first on India Legal.