Bathinda Court Denies Kangana Ranaut’s Video Appearance in Defamation Case

Bathinda (The Uttam Hindu): A court in Bathinda on Monday rejected Bollywood actress and BJP MP from Mandi, Kangana Ranaut’s petition to appear via video conferencing in a defamation case filed against her during the farmers’ protest. The court has directed Ranaut to appear in person on October 27, and a summons will be issued through the Senior Superintendent of Police.

The case dates back to January 2021, when 81-year-old farmer Mahinder Kaur from Bahadurgarh Jandia village in Bathinda filed a defamation suit against Ranaut. During the farmers’ protest, Ranaut had tweeted that elderly women like Kaur were participating in demonstrations for “100 rupees each,” sparking widespread outrage. She also alleged that Pakistani journalists were exploiting such protesters to hijack India’s international public image.

Kaur, once featured in Time magazine as one of India’s most influential women, called Ranaut’s remarks false and insulting. In a television interview soon after the controversy, Kaur said:

"What would Kangana know about farming? She has insulted us farmers. We earn our livelihood through blood and sweat. What does 100 rupees have to do with us?"

Following the complaint, the Bathinda court summoned Ranaut after 13 months of hearings. The actress sought relief from the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which was denied, and also approached the Supreme Court, but her plea was again rejected.

Ranaut’s recent request to participate via video conference faced the same outcome, with the court emphasizing her personal presence. The case, stemming from a 2021 controversy, remains active, and Ranaut is now required to appear in Bathinda court on October 27 for the defamation proceedings.