Actress and BJP leader Kangana Ranaut faced a setback in the defamation case filed against her over a controversial tweet. The Supreme Court did not grant her any relief, prompting her to withdraw her petition seeking cancellation of the case.

The matter pertains to Kangana’s 2021 tweet during the farmers’ protest, where she wrongly identified an elderly woman protester as Bilkis Bano of Shaheen Bagh. The complaint was filed by 73-year-old Mahinder Kaur from Bathinda, who alleged that the actress defamed her by spreading false information.

Supreme Court’s Observation

The case was heard by a bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta. Justice Mehta made it clear that this was not a simple retweet.

• “This tweet was not just a retweet, but spice was added to it. This is a matter of trial,” the bench remarked.

• The judges also cautioned Ranaut’s counsel: “Do not ask us to comment on your tweet, it may adversely affect your case.”
  After the sharp remarks, the court asked whether Kangana would like to withdraw her petition. Her lawyer agreed, and the petition was withdrawn.

Kangana’s Defense

Ranaut’s lawyer argued that:

• The tweet in question was originally made by someone else, and Kangana had only retweeted it.

• The tweet was misunderstood and had been shared by several people.

• Despite this, the lower court issued summons, and the High Court also denied relief, forcing the matter to reach the Supreme Court.

Background of the Case

• The case originated during the 2020–21 farmers’ protest.

• Kangana Ranaut wrongly identified Mahinder Kaur, an elderly farmer protester, as Bilkis Bano, popularly known as the “Shaheen Bagh dadi.”

• Kaur filed a defamation case in 2021, alleging that Ranaut’s tweet tarnished her image by spreading false allegations.

With the Supreme Court refusing to quash the proceedings, Kangana Ranaut will now have to face trial in the defamation case.