Has Kangana Ranaut Challenged a Summons in a Defamation Case?
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Synopsis
Kangana Ranaut has taken her legal battle to the Supreme Court, contesting the Punjab and Haryana High Court's decision to uphold a summons in a defamation case. The actress is accused of defaming a farmer during the protests. The case raises crucial questions about free speech and accountability in public discourse.
Key Takeaways
- Kangana Ranaut challenges a legal summons in the Supreme Court.
- The controversy involves accusations of defamation related to a social media post.
- The case highlights the tension between freedom of speech and personal reputation.
- The outcome may set a precedent for future cases involving social media and public figures.
- Public opinion is divided on the issue of accountability for celebrities.
New Delhi, Sep 11 (NationPress) Actress-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut has taken her fight to the Supreme Court, contesting the refusal of the Punjab and Haryana High Court to dismiss a summons issued against her by a Bathinda court in a defamation case.
The defamation complaint was lodged by Mahinder Kaur, a 73-year-old resident of Bahadurgarh Jandian village in Bathinda district. She alleges that Kangana Ranaut defamed her through a post on the social media platform X, incorrectly labeling her as a Shaheen Bagh protester, Bilkis Bano, and insinuating that women like her could be paid to protest for just Rs 100.
In February 2022, a judicial magistrate in Bathinda issued a summons requiring Kangana Ranaut to appear in court.
Feeling wronged by the summoning order, she sought intervention from the Punjab and Haryana High Court, arguing that the trial court had improperly applied Section 202 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).
After extensive deliberation, Justice Tribhuvan Singh Dahiya of the P&H High Court found no merit in her plea and dismissed it, prompting Kangana Ranaut to escalate the matter to the Supreme Court.
As indicated by the causelist on the apex court's website, a bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta is slated to hear Kangana’s special leave petition (SLP) on September 12.
In her retweet, Kangana remarked: "Ha ha ha, she is the same dadi who was featured in Time magazine for being the most powerful Indian... And she is available for 100 rupees. Pakistani journalists have hijacked international PR for India in an embarrassing way. We need our own people to speak for us internationally."
The controversial post, which was subsequently deleted, targeted Mahinder Kaur during her involvement in the farmers' protests at Delhi's borders.
This referred to a tweet by Gautam Yadav, which included a photograph of Kaur, who claimed that the defamatory remarks not only damaged her pride and honor but also tarnished her reputation amongst fellow protestors.
Kaur insisted that she had no ties to the Shaheen Bagh protests or the woman highlighted in Time magazine, asserting that the allegations were completely false.
Kaur stated she belongs to a farming family and actively participated in the farmers' protests, emphasizing that the comments made by Kangana Ranaut subjected her to public ridicule and inflicted mental distress.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the significance of this case, not just for Kangana Ranaut but for the broader implications it holds for public figures and their accountability. The intersection of social media, free speech, and personal reputation is increasingly relevant, and this case exemplifies the complexities involved.
NationPress
12/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the allegations against Kangana Ranaut?
Kangana Ranaut is accused of defaming Mahinder Kaur by wrongly identifying her as a protester and suggesting that such women could be hired to protest for Rs 100.
What is Kangana's legal argument?
Kangana argues that the trial court misapplied Section 202 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which led to the issuance of the summons against her.
What did the Punjab and Haryana High Court decide?
The P&H High Court found no merit in Kangana's petition and upheld the summons issued by the Bathinda court.
When will the Supreme Court hear the case?
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear Kangana's special leave petition on September 12.
How has Kangana responded to the allegations?
Kangana has publicly ridiculed the allegations on her social media and emphasized her stance on free speech.
