Panchas and criminal defamation

A false 498a case against a relative has been quashed by the High Court at the FIR stage with adverse remarks against the complainant. 2 panchas corroborated a false incident which the High Court has strongly come down upon. They have signed a panchnama which is part of the chargesheet and are close relatives of the complainant.

Can the panchas be included as accused in a criminal defamation case that the relative plans to file?