The order came from Special MP-MLA Judge Lokesh Kumar on Wednesday after hearing arguments from both sides. The court has directed that the case be heard in the same lower court that had earlier dismissed the petition. Advocate Ramashankar Sharma, president of the Agra Bar Association, had filed the case in September 2024, accusing Ranaut of making derogatory and inflammatory statements against farmers during an interview on August 26, 2024.
In the interview, Ranaut allegedly said that “rape and murders occurred during the farmers’ protest,” comments that Sharma argued insulted farmers and amounted to sedition. He said Ranaut’s words “hurt the sentiments of millions of farmers” and sought strict legal action.
Ranaut, who represents Mandi in Himachal Pradesh as a BJP MP, has not appeared before the court despite six summons being issued. Her legal team, including advocates Anusuya Chaudhary and Vivek Sharma, was present during the latest hearing.
The controversy stems from Ranaut’s history of contentious remarks during the farmers’ agitation. She had earlier compared protesters to “Khalistani terrorists” and claimed women joined demonstrations “for ₹100.” These comments triggered widespread criticism and multiple complaints nationwide.
The case adds to Ranaut’s long list of legal troubles over her public statements. The Agra court’s order revives the sedition charge previously dismissed, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing dispute between the actor-turned-politician and farmer groups that have repeatedly accused her of defaming their movement.
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