Bathinda: MP Kangana Ranaut apologises to Mohinder Kaur’s family in defamation case, next hearing on November 24
PTC Web Desk: MP Kangana Ranaut on Monday tendered an apology to the family of Bibi Mohinder Kaur during a court appearance in connection with the defamation case filed against her in Bathinda.
Advocate Ranbir Singh, representing Mohinder Kaur, said when Kangana Ranaut appeared before the court, she personally apologised to Bibi Mohinder Kaur’s husband and family, who were present in the court. “She stated that her remarks were made unintentionally and without any intent to hurt anyone. She mentioned that the post in question was a retweet, but still expressed regret for the incident,” the lawyer said.
The case, which has been ongoing for the past four years, is related to a controversial tweet made by Kangana during the farmers’ protest, in which she allegedly misidentified Bibi Mohinder Kaur.
The next hearing in the case has been scheduled for November 24. Advocate Ranbir Singh added that Kangana’s legal team requested an exemption from personal appearance, which was opposed by the complainant’s counsel. “We argued that since this is a criminal case, personal presence is necessary unless the court finds a valid reason, such as Parliament duties, for granting exemption,” he said.
Meanwhile, Bibi Mahinder Kaur’s husband told the court that the family would discuss the matter internally and also consult the farmers’ union before taking any final decision. “We cannot decide this individually. Whatever the family and the union collectively decide, we will act accordingly,” he stated.
The background of the case
The controversy dates back to December 2020, during the farmers’ protest. Kangana had tweeted a post referring to an elderly woman featured in a protest photo. Kangana had written, “Ha ha ha… the same dadi who was featured in Time Magazine for being the most powerful Indian woman, and she is available for Rs 100. Pakistani journalists have hijacked international PR for India in such a shameful way. We need our own people to speak for us internationally.”
Following the tweet, Mohinder Kaur filed a defamation case on January 4, 2021, in Bathinda. After over a year of hearings, the court issued summons to Kangana to appear in person. Kangana later approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court and then the Supreme Court seeking relief, but both courts dismissed her petitions, directing her to appear before the Bathinda court.
In response to Kangana’s remarks, Mohinder Kaur had strongly reacted during a TV interview. “What does Kangana know about farming? She’s mad. Shame on what she said. She doesn’t know how hard a farmer works to earn money,” she said.
Referring to the Rs 100 comment, she added, “What will I do with Rs 100? I have work to do in my fields. Why would I go to a protest for money? Kangana spoke wrongly and should not have said such things.”
- PTC NEWS
