A Jammu court has issued a non-bailable warrant against Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Mehraj Malik in a defamation case filed by former MLA and minister Ghulam Mohammad Saroori.

The Special Excise Mobile Magistrate, Jammu, directed the SHO of Police Station Gundoh to arrest Malik and produce him before the court on May 14.

"Whereas accused Mehraj Din Malik S/o Shamas Din Malik stands charged with the offense under Section 499 of the Indian Penal Code. You are hereby directed to arrest the said accused and produce him before me on 17-05-2025," the court stated in its March 17 order.

The case arises from allegations that Malik defamed and threatened Saroori during the District Development Council (DDC) elections in Doda. Saroori alleged that Malik used "filthy, malicious, and defamatory language" against him in widely circulated video clips on social media.

The court took cognizance of the case on June 4, 2024, summoning Malik to appear on July 20, 2024. However, his failure to comply led the court to issue a non-bailable warrant on March 17.

The next hearing is scheduled for May 14 to review compliance with the arrest order.

Advocate Faheem Shokat Butt appeared on behalf of Saroori.