Punjab: The Bathinda Special MP-MLA Court on Monday framed charges against actor and Mandi BJP MP Kangana Ranaut in a 2021 defamation case filed by 82-year-old farmer Mahinder Kaur. This is a significant development in the case, which has been pending since the farmers’ protest. The court has set the next hearing date for December 4th and issued a notice for framing of charges in the case. The case relates to Kangana’s tweet during the farmers’ protest, in which she shared a photo of Mahinder Kaur from Bahadurgarh Jandian village, mistaking her for Shaheen Bagh protester Bilkis Bano, and alleged that such women were “available for ₹100” to join the protests. This comment sparked widespread outrage, prompting Mahinder Kaur to file the defamation case in January 2021. Kangana appeared via video conferencing during today’s proceedings. She has already sought permanent exemption from personal appearance, citing security concerns and an incident at Chandigarh airport last year. However, the complainant’s lawyer, Advocate Raghbir Singh Bahniwal, opposed the application, stating that he had formally objected to the exemption request. Kangana’s legal team is expected to file a response at the next hearing. Meanwhile, complainant Mahinder Kaur’s husband, Labh Singh, appeared in court as he reportedly has a viral fever. He reiterated the family’s intention to continue the legal battle. He said, “We will fight the case to its logical conclusion. We are not happy with Kangana’s oral apology at the last hearing.” The matter first surfaced on October 27, when Kangana was granted bail and appeared in person before several courts here following a Supreme Court directive denying her exemption from appearance. The case was subsequently transferred to the court of the Judicial Magistrate First Class (Special Court). Now that the charges have been formally framed, the case will now move to the evidence stage.
Punjab: Court frames charges against Kangana Ranaut in defamation case
