Kangana Ranaut to appear before Bathinda Court today
Babushahi Bureau
Bathinda (Punjab), October 27, 2025: Bollywood actress and Member of Parliament Kangana Ranaut is set to appear before a Bathinda court today in connection with a defamation case filed against her over an alleged derogatory remark made during the 2020–21 farmers’ protest. The case pertains to her controversial social media post about an elderly woman farmer, which had drawn widespread criticism at the time.
Following the Supreme Court’s recent rejection of her plea seeking exemption from personal appearance, Kangana has been directed to appear in person before the court. In anticipation of her high-profile appearance, the Bathinda district administration and police have converted the court premises into a high-security zone, deploying heavy police personnel and tightening access at all entry points. The entire complex has been placed under strict surveillance to ensure law and order.
The defamation case was filed by 87-year-old farmer Mahinder Kaur of Bahadurgarh Jandian village in Bathinda district. The controversy began when Kangana, during the farmers’ protest, posted a photograph of Kaur on social media platform X (then Twitter), comparing her to Bilkis Bano, the elderly woman who became a symbol of the Shaheen Bagh protests. The actress allegedly claimed in her tweet that such women were “available for ₹100” to participate in demonstrations. The remark, which many deemed disrespectful and misleading, prompted Mahinder Kaur to file a case alleging that the statement had harmed her dignity and reputation.
Over the past few years, the case has moved through multiple legal stages. The lower court had issued several summons to Kangana, which she failed to respond to. Her request to attend the proceedings through video conferencing was also denied. The Punjab and Haryana High Court, and later the Supreme Court, refused to quash the case, with the apex court observing that Kangana had not merely shared a post but had also added her own separate comment targeting the elderly woman.
Complying with the Supreme Court’s directive, the lower court ordered Kangana to be present in person on October 27. She is expected to reach the Bathinda court around 2 PM. Meanwhile, security has been significantly strengthened in and around the court complex, where a large number of media personnel and supporters have already gathered.
Senior police officials stated that elaborate arrangements have been made to maintain peace and prevent any disruption during the hearing. The police remain on high alert to ensure that proceedings are conducted smoothly and without incident.