Kangana Ranaut to Appear in Bathinda Court as Defamation Charges Are Framed Over Farmers’ Protest Remarks

The defamation suit was filed by 81-year-old farmer Bebe Mahinder Kaur from Bahadurgarh Jandian village in Bathinda. Kaur alleges that Kangana’s social media post implied that elderly women participating in the protest do so “for 100 rupees,” which she claims damaged her reputation. The Bathinda court had earlier summoned Kangana to appear on 24 November, but only her junior counsel attended on her behalf.

Kangana’s controversial post featured a photograph of Mahinder Kaur and read: “Hahahaha, this is the same grandmother who featured in Time magazine as one of India’s most powerful women. She is available for 100 rupees.” She further commented on international media coverage, alleging that “Pakistani journalists have shamefully hijacked international PR for India.”

Mahinder Kaur strongly refuted the remarks, stating in a media interaction, “What does Kangana know about farming? Farming is extremely hard work. My work never ends, so why would I go to a protest for 100 rupees? Kangana has made a very wrong accusation against me.”

The case dates back to January 2021, and after months of hearings, the Bathinda court issued a summons directing Kangana’s personal appearance. Subsequent petitions in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, as well as the Supreme Court, were dismissed, leaving the actress legally obliged to appear.

Kangana’s lawyer has requested permanent exemption from personal appearances, citing convenience, while the complainant’s counsel has insisted that the trial proceed as per normal legal procedures. Today’s hearing is expected to mark a significant development in the ongoing defamation case concerning remarks on a farmers’ protest participant.