Bollywood actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut appeared before a Bathinda court on Monday in connection with a defamation case filed by farmer Mohinder Kaur, and was granted bail after she tendered an apology, expressing regret over what she called a “misunderstanding.”
The case stems from a 2020 incident during the farmers’ protest, when Ranaut allegedly mistook Kaur for another elderly woman and made comments on social media that were perceived as derogatory. Following the post, which quickly went viral, Kaur filed a defamation suit, saying her dignity had been “publicly harmed.”
In court, Ranaut expressed remorse for the episode, clarifying that there was no intent to defame or insult the elderly farmer. The court subsequently granted her bail.
“A victory for truth and respect”
For 78-year-old Mohinder Kaur, who owns 13 acres of land in Bahadurgarh Jandian village of Punjab’s Bathinda district, the moment was deeply emotional. “This is not about money or fame,” she said after the hearing. “It is about respect — for every woman, every farmer.”
Punjab, where nearly 65% of farmers own less than 10 acres of land, saw massive participation from elderly farmers like Kaur during the 2020–21 protests against the now-repealed farm laws. Her image from the protests had gone viral at the time — becoming symbolic of resilience among India’s rural women.
Legal experts described Monday’s development as an instance of “restorative closure”, with the actor’s apology seen as a step towards reconciliation.
The case at a glance
- Complainant: Mohinder Kaur, farmer from Bathinda, Punjab
- Accused: Kangana Ranaut, actor and BJP MP
- Charges: Defamation over mistaken identity in social media post
- Outcome: Kangana Ranaut apologised and was granted bail; case proceedings expected to continue for formal closure