Bathinda Court Allows Kangana Ranaut to Attend Defamation Trial via Video Conferencing

The special MP-MLA court in Bathinda has allowed BJP MP and actor Kangana Ranaut to attend all future hearings in a defamation case through video conferencing, citing security concerns and the extensive police arrangements required for her physical appearance.

Kangana’s counsel informed the court that she faces serious security threats, referring to an FIR related to threats to her life and an alleged assault at Chandigarh airport.

In its order uploaded on the court’s website on Friday, the court exempted Kangana from appearing in person for routine hearings, directing her to remain present via video conferencing at every date of hearing. The court also instructed her to submit an undertaking assuring that she would not delay the trial, while her counsel must be physically present during proceedings.

However, the court clarified that Kangana must appear in person when her statement under Section 313 of the CrPC is recorded or whenever specifically directed by the court.

The court also allowed the complainant, Mahinder Kaur, an elderly farmer, to summon additional witnesses, observing that their testimony could be crucial for a fair trial. The defamation case relates to a tweet posted by Kangana during the 2020 farmers’ protest.

Meanwhile, the complainant filed a fresh application seeking the surrender of Kangana’s passport. The court has fixed January 27 for filing a reply and recording further evidence.

The case stems from a 2020 tweet in which Kangana shared a photograph of Mahinder Kaur, mistakenly identifying her as Shaheen Bagh protester Bilkis Bano and alleging that such women were paid to participate in protests. Following widespread outrage, Mahinder Kaur filed a defamation complaint in January 2021.

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