Trial progresses in Mahinder Kaur defamation case against Mandi MP Kangana Ranaut
Shimla, Dec 4,
In a development that has reportedly added momentum to the ongoing defamation proceedings against Mandi MP and Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut, a Bathinda court on Friday framed charges in the case filed by farmer activist Mahinder Kaur. The MP once again did not appear—either in person or virtually—despite earlier court directions.
According to sources familiar with the proceedings, the complainant Mahinder Kaur and eyewitness Gurpreet Singh were present in court to record their statements. The court reportedly took note that on the previous hearing date, fixed for Kangana’s appearance on November 24, only her junior counsel had attended. On Friday, her legal team is said to have renewed their plea seeking a permanent exemption from personal appearance.
The complainant’s counsel reportedly opposed the exemption plea, arguing that repeated absence of the MP delays the progress of the case and urged the court to allow the matter to move forward. Following arguments, the court is understood to have framed charges and listed the next hearing for December 15.
Outside the courtroom, Mahinder Kaur reportedly reaffirmed her resolve, stating she would “fight this battle till her last breath.” She is also learnt to have alleged that the MP attempted to offer an apology in court on legal advice, but maintained that the gesture lacked genuine remorse.
The case traces back to a remark made by Kangana during the farmers’ protest in Delhi, when she reportedly suggested on social media that elderly women participating in the demonstrations were being paid Rs 100 to attend. Mahinder Kaur, a resident of Bahadurgarh Jandian village in Bathinda, filed the defamation complaint stating that the comment demeaned her dignity and misrepresented women protestors.
The Mandi MP had recently approached the Supreme Court seeking dismissal of the proceedings, but the apex court reportedly declined to intervene, allowing the Bathinda court to continue with the trial.
With charges now framed, the matter is expected to come up again on December 15, when further submissions from both sides may be reviewed. The progress of the trial continues to draw public attention in Himachal Pradesh, where the MP’s legal journey remains a point of scrutiny.
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