Bathinda, November 25, 2025 — A special MP/MLA court in Bathinda has officially framed defamation charges against BJP MP Kangana Ranaut in a case linked to her remarks made during the farmers’ protest. The development marks a significant step as the legal proceedings now move toward trial.
The complaint was filed by Mahinder Kaur, an elderly woman from Bahadurgarh Jandian village, who alleges that Ranaut wrongly identified her as activist Bilkis Bano in a social media post and claimed she was paid to participate in protests. Kaur stated that the post damaged her reputation and dignity, prompting her to approach the court.
During Monday’s hearing, the court also heard Ranaut’s request for a permanent exemption from personal appearances in future proceedings. The decision on this plea has been reserved and is likely to be announced at the next hearing. Ranaut had last appeared before the court on October 27.
The matter will come up again on December 4, when the court is expected to deliver its order on her exemption plea and determine the next steps in the trial.
Earlier, both the Punjab and Haryana High Court and the Supreme Court declined to quash the case. The courts observed that the statements in question carried serious implications and could not be dismissed as casual or harmless commentary.
