Chandigarh: Bollywood actor and MP Kangana Ranaut appeared before a court in Bathinda on Tuesday in connection with a defamation case linked to the farmers’ protest. The court has now fixed May 12 as the next date of hearing, during which arguments on the possible seizure of her passport may also be taken up.
During the hearing, Ranaut’s counsel was expected to cross-examine key witness Surjit Singh Phool. However, he could not appear due to ill health. Following this, the defence sought time to question complainant Mahinder Kaur and another witness on the next date.
Case linked to farmers’ protest
The case stems from remarks made by Ranaut during the farmers’ agitation against the Centre’s agricultural laws. The complaint was filed by Mahinder Kaur, a resident of Bahadurgarh Jandian village in Bathinda.
In her petition, Mahinder Kaur alleged that Ranaut made defamatory comments on social media, claiming that women participating in protests were being paid ₹100 to attend. The remarks sparked outrage, leading to the filing of the defamation suit.
Earlier, Ranaut had approached the Supreme Court of India seeking to quash the case. The apex court, however, refused relief and directed her to appear before the Bathinda court.
The matter will now be heard further on May 12.
