Kangana Ranaut Secures Bail in Defamation Case Over Farmers’ Protest Tweet
In a case that has stirred emotions across political and social circles, Bollywood actor and Mandi MP Kangana Ranaut was granted bail on Monday by a Bathinda court. The defamation complaint was filed by 82-year-old Mahinder Kaur, a farmer protestor, who alleged that Kangana made a derogatory remark about her in a tweet during the 2020–21 farmers’ agitation.
Kangana’s Court Appearance and Clarification
Kangana appeared in person before three separate courts in Bathinda, spending nearly an hour under heavy security. Speaking to reporters afterward, she described the incident as a misunderstanding. “I only retweeted a meme during the farmers’ protest. I never meant to hurt anyone,” she said. Kangana added that she had spoken with Mahinder Kaur’s husband and offered an apology, noting, “Whether a mother is from Himachal or Punjab, she deserves respect.” She also acknowledged the crowd of fans gathered outside, saying their support meant a lot to her.
Legal Dispute Over Apology
Mahinder Kaur’s legal team, however, contested Kangana’s claims. Advocate Raghbir Singh Behniwal said that Kaur’s husband, Labh Singh, denied receiving any prior apology. He also opposed Kangana’s request for permanent exemption from future court appearances, arguing that the application was submitted too late. Kaur herself was unable to attend the hearing due to health issues.
The case has now been transferred to the Judicial Magistrate First Class (Special Court), with the next hearing set for November 24.
The Tweet That Sparked the Case
The controversy dates back to 2021, when Kangana shared a photo of Mahinder Kaur, mistakenly identifying her as Shaheen Bagh protestor Bilkis Bano. The tweet implied that elderly women were being paid ₹100 to join protests—a statement that drew widespread criticism and led Kaur to file a defamation suit.
Legal Roadblocks and Supreme Court Involvement
Kangana’s appearance followed a Supreme Court directive after her plea for exemption from personal attendance was rejected. Previous requests for virtual hearings and to dismiss the case were also turned down by lower courts and the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
Security and Political Reactions
The Bathinda court complex was placed under tight security for the hearing, with barricades and additional police deployed. Political leaders responded strongly, with Bathinda MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal applauding Mahinder Kaur’s determination. “Despite her age, she made Kangana come down from the hills and face the court,” she said, calling it a stand for the dignity of Punjab’s women.
AICC secretary Pargat Singh also weighed in, urging Kangana to reflect on the incident and be more cautious with her words in the future.
This case continues to fuel conversations around the responsibilities of public figures, the boundaries of free speech, and the strength of grassroots voices in holding power to account.
