BATHINDA, Oct 27 — Actor and BJP MP from Mandi, Kangana Ranaut, was on Monday granted bail by a Bathinda court in a defamation case linked to her alleged derogatory remarks made during the 2020–21 farmers’ protest.
The case stems from a tweet in which Kangana had shared a photograph of 73-year-old farmer Mahinder Kaur from Bahadurgarh Jandian village, comparing her to Shaheen Bagh protester Bilkis Bano and claiming that “such women were available for ₹100” to join demonstrations. The post had triggered outrage and led Kaur to file a defamation complaint in January 2021, alleging damage to her dignity and reputation.
Appearing before the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) court in Bathinda, Kangana said she never intended to insult anyone. “This is just a misunderstanding. I had only retweeted a meme and did not intend to hurt specifically anyone,” she told reporters outside the court. “I have already discussed the matter with Mahinder Kaur ji’s husband and apologised to him as she was not present today. During the andolan, several memes were circulating, and one of them was retweeted by me inadvertently.”
However, advocate Raghbir Singh Behniwal, who represents complainant Mahinder Kaur, disputed the claim of an apology. “Kangana Ranaut told the court that she retweeted the meme by mistake, but my client’s husband Labh Singh says she has never apologised,” Behniwal said. He added that Kangana’s plea for permanent exemption from personal appearance on security grounds had been opposed.
The case has now been transferred from the court of Judicial Magistrate First Class to the Judicial Magistrate First Class (Special Court). The next hearing is scheduled for November 24.
Heavy security arrangements were made around the district court complex in Bathinda ahead of Kangana’s appearance, with barricades erected at entry and exit points.
Ranaut had earlier failed to appear despite repeated summons. Her pleas for exemption and for virtual proceedings were rejected by the court on September 29, leading to summons being served through the police.
The MP had also approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court and later the Supreme Court, seeking quashing of the proceedings. Both courts declined to grant relief, directing her to appear in person before the trial court.
