In a recent appearance before the Bathinda court, Bharatiya Janata Party Member of Parliament and actor Kangana Ranaut addressed a defamation case filed against her. The case relates to a social media post she made concerning an elderly woman during the 2020-21 farmers’ protest. Ranaut stated that there was a “misunderstanding” regarding the post and emphasized her deep respect for all women, referring to them as ‘mata’ (mother).
The complaint was filed by 73-year-old Mahinder Kaur, who alleged that Ranaut defamed her by misidentifying her in the post. Ranaut had shared a tweet suggesting that women involved in the protests could be hired for ₹100, reportedly likening Mahinder Kaur to Bilkis Bano of Shaheen Bagh. Mahinder Kaur’s legal team claimed this portrayal was damaging and false.
Following her court appearance, Ranaut informed reporters that she had apologized to Mahinder Kaur’s husband in court, as Kaur herself was not present. Ranaut maintained that her comments were not directed against any individual and expressed regret for any misunderstanding that arose from her post. She reiterated her respect for all mothers, regardless of their origin.
This legal challenge has seen Ranaut’s attempts to have the case dismissed thwarted, including her plea to appear virtually, which was denied by the Bathinda court. Her appeals to the Punjab and Haryana High Court and subsequently the Supreme Court were also unsuccessful, leading to the withdrawal of her special leave petition.
In a separate incident last year, Ranaut was reportedly slapped by a woman constable at Chandigarh airport, allegedly due to her controversial remarks concerning the farmers’ protest.