16 December 2025 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : A special MP-MLA court on Monday adjourned the hearing in the defamation case against BJP’s Mandi MP and Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut to January 5 after the prosecution witnesses and the accused failed to appear.
The case was listed for the cross-examination of the prosecution witnesses—complainant Mahinder Kaur, an elderly farmer from Bahadurgarh Jandian village here, and her relative Gurpreet Singh. Arguments on Kangana’s plea for permanent exemption from personal appearance in the court were also scheduled to be heard.
Advocate Raghbir Singh Behniwal said, “Kangana did not appear in court on Monday, and her proxy counsel had filed an application seeking her exemption for the day, citing the ongoing winter session of the Lok Sabha, which was granted.”
“Mahinder Kaur could not appear due to her old age and the cold weather. The court has directed that all witnesses be presented by furnishing their names to the court as well as to the accused’s counsel before the next hearing. The court has also directed Kangana to appear at the next hearing,” he added.
The case pertains to a 2020 tweet by Kangana during the farmers’ protest, in which she shared a photograph of Mahinder Kaur, mistakenly identifying her as Shaheen Bagh protester Bilkis Bano and alleging that such women were “available for Rs 100” to participate in protests. Mahinder Kaur filed a defamation complaint against her in January 2021.
At the previous hearing on December 4, Mahinder Kaur (82) had appeared in the court and recorded her statement. She later told the media that she would continue the legal battle till her last breath.
Meanwhile, Kangana last appeared in person in the court on October 27, when she was granted bail. On November 24, she appeared through video-conferencing, during which charges were framed against her. On December 4, she sought exemption from personal appearance, citing the ongoing winter session of Lok Sabha, which was granted.
Summary:
The Bathinda court has postponed the hearing in the Kangana Ranaut case, scheduling the next date for January 5. The matter will now be taken up after the court adjournment, giving both sides additional time before the next proceedings.