Actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut faced a setback in the Supreme Court on Friday after withdrawing her plea seeking to quash a criminal defamation complaint linked to her remarks during the 2020–21 farmers’ protests.
A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta refused to entertain the plea, suggesting that Ranaut pursue alternative remedies before the trial court. Her counsel then opted to withdraw the petition.
Court Observations
During the hearing, Justice Mehta observed that Ranaut’s post was not merely a retweet.
“It was not a simple retweet. You have added your own comments. You have added spice,” Justice Mehta remarked, according to Live Law.
When Ranaut’s counsel argued that the actor had already issued a clarification, the bench advised that such clarifications can be presented before the trial court.
The court also said Ranaut may seek an exemption from personal appearance during the trial.
Background Of The Case
The defamation complaint was filed by Mahinder Kaur (73), a farmer from Bathinda, Punjab, in January 2021. Kaur alleged that Ranaut made “false imputations and remarks” in a tweet suggesting she was the same elderly woman protestor who had earlier participated in the Shaheen Bagh anti-CAA protests.
Ranaut had earlier approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court challenging the Bathinda court’s summoning order, arguing that it violated the Criminal Procedure Code. The High Court dismissed her plea, leading to the current appeal before the Supreme Court.
Bench’s Caution
The Supreme Court bench warned that continued arguments might compel it to make adverse remarks, potentially harming Ranaut’s defence.
“Don’t ask us to comment on what is written in the tweet. It may prejudice your trial. You may have a valid defence,” Justice Mehta said.
With the petition withdrawn, the defamation case against Ranaut will proceed before the Bathinda trial court.
