A civil court in Bettiah, Bihar, has summoned Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor to appear in a defamation case filed by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Sanjay Jaiswal, according to reports on 12 June. The court ordered the summons after examining affidavits and witness testimony submitted in support of the complaint, directing Kishor to present his position before proceedings advance further.

Background of the Defamation Suit

The defamation case, filed by Sanjay Jaiswal — a four-time Member of Parliament and currently Chief Whip in the Lok Sabha — alleges that Kishor made statements through public speeches, press conferences, social media platforms, and digital broadcasts associated with Jan Suraaj that were intended to damage Jaiswal's public image and reputation.

Jaiswal's counsel, Advocate Chandrika Kushwaha, confirmed that the court found it necessary to hear the other party's response before proceeding, and accordingly issued the summons.

Key Allegations in the Complaint

According to the complaint, on 26 August 2025, a witness travelling to Bettiah encountered a public meeting addressed by Kishor near Kuriya Kothi. The witness alleged that during the speech, Kishor referred to Jaiswal as a 'petty politician' and accused him of influencing the alignment of the Cantonment overbridge project for the benefit of his petrol pump.

The complaint further states that at a press conference on 13 September 2025, Jaiswal was allegedly described as an 'oil thief' and accused of involvement in irregularities related to Municipal Corporation fuel bills. Similar allegations were reportedly repeated on 19 September 2025 through the official Jan Suraaj YouTube channel and other media platforms. Documents related to a news channel were also submitted as evidence before the court.

What the Witness Told the Court

A witness submitted a sworn statement claiming he became aware of the allegations against the MP through media reports and public events addressed by Kishor. The witness described Jaiswal as belonging to a respected political and social family, noting that several members of his family are doctors and are regarded positively within society.

During the hearing, the court questioned the witness regarding his familiarity with both parties. Advocate Kushwaha said: 'The witness informed the court that he knows MP Sanjay Jaiswal as the representative of his constituency and recognises Prashant Kishor as the leader of Jan Suraaj.'

What Happens Next

According to Advocate Kushwaha, a reply on behalf of Prashant Kishor is to be submitted at the next hearing, after which further proceedings will take place. 'Deeming it necessary to hear the other side involved in the matter, the court has summoned Prashant Kishor to present his position,' she said. The matter is expected to advance following Kishor's appearance or formal response before the court.

This legal challenge adds to the political pressures facing Kishor, whose Jan Suraaj Party has been an active — and at times combative — presence in Bihar's political landscape since its launch.