Tue Oct 28 02:02:35 UTC 2025: Summary:
BJP MP and actor Kangana Ranaut was granted bail in a defamation case in Bathinda, Punjab, stemming from a 2021 retweet and comment about a farmer, Mahinder Kaur, during the farmers’ protest. Ranaut expressed regret for the misunderstanding and asserted that she did not intend to target any individual. The court granted bail after Ranaut’s father furnished a bond. She also filed a plea seeking permanent exemption from personal appearance, which was opposed by Kaur’s counsel. The case originated from Kaur’s allegation that Ranaut wrongly identified her as Bilkis Bano, an activist from the Shaheen Bagh protest, thus defaming her. The court has scheduled the next hearing for November 24th.
News Article:
Kangana Ranaut Granted Bail in Defamation Case, Expresses Regret
Bathinda/Chandigarh, October 28, 2025 – BJP MP and actor Kangana Ranaut was granted bail by a court in Bathinda, Punjab, on Monday in a defamation case filed against her by Mahinder Kaur, a 73-year-old farmer. The case revolves around a retweet made by Ranaut in 2021 during the farmers’ protest against the now-repealed farm laws. Kaur alleged that Ranaut defamed her by wrongly identifying her as Bilkis Bano, an activist associated with the Shaheen Bagh protest.
Security was heightened at the Bathinda court complex for Ranaut’s appearance. Speaking to reporters after the hearing, Ranaut expressed regret for the misunderstanding, stating, “Whatever misunderstanding happened with the family of Mahinder ji, I gave a message to her husband for ‘mata ji’ about how she was the victim of a misunderstanding.” She emphasized that she respects all mothers and claimed that her post was not intended to target any individual.
Mahinder Kaur’s counsel, Raghubir Singh Beniwal, confirmed that the court granted bail on a bond furnished by Ranaut’s father. Ranaut also filed a plea seeking permanent exemption from personal appearances, which was opposed by Beniwal. According to Beniwal, Ranaut expressed a desire to apologize to the complainant, claiming her post was not meant to target anyone. The court asked Kaur’s husband, Labh Singh, who attended the hearing in his wife’s place. Singh said that he would have to discuss accepting her apology with other stakeholders.
Kaur’s complaint alleged that Ranaut’s retweet and comment caused damage to her reputation. While Ranaut initially challenged the case in higher courts, she eventually withdrew her plea after the Supreme Court suggested that her comments added to the original retweet.
The court has scheduled the next hearing for November 24th, leaving the possibility of an apology and resolution open. The case continues to draw attention, highlighting the intersection of politics, social media, and the ongoing debate surrounding freedom of expression.
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