Bollywood actress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament (MP), Kangana Ranaut, appeared before a special court in Mumbai on Friday in connection with an ongoing defamation case filed against her by renowned lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar. The case, which has been ongoing since 2020, revolves around allegations that Ranaut made defamatory statements against Akhtar during a televised interview, which he claims tarnished his reputation.
Ranaut arrived at the special magistrate court, designated to handle legal matters concerning MPs and MLAs, in the afternoon. Her presence before the court came after multiple hearings and directives urging her to appear. The defamation case was initially being heard at a magistrate court in suburban Andheri, where it had been filed by Akhtar four years ago.
In his 2020 complaint, Javed Akhtar accused Kangana Ranaut of making defamatory remarks against him while discussing Bollywood’s alleged inner circle or “coterie.” These statements were made in the aftermath of the alleged suicide of actor Sushant Singh Rajput, a tragic event that triggered widespread debates about nepotism and power structures in the film industry. Akhtar contended that by dragging his name into the controversy, Ranaut had deliberately damaged his public image and personal reputation.
Following Ranaut’s victory in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where she was elected as the MP from Mandi in Himachal Pradesh, the case was transferred to a special magistrate court designated to handle matters involving elected representatives. This shift in jurisdiction wasbyh legal provisions that assign cases involving MPs and MLAs to specific courts.
During the previous hearing, the court had considered Akhtar’s plea for issuing a non-bailable warrant against Ranaut due to her repeated absences. However, the judge granted her a final opportunity to present herself in court before taking any coercive action. Complying with the directive, she appeared before the court on Friday, avoiding the risk of a warrant being issued against her.
The case continues to attract significant public and media attention, given the high-profile nature of both individuals involved. While Javed Akhtar remains one of the most respected figures in the Indian film industry, known for his contributions as a lyricist and screenwriter, Kangana Ranaut has established herself as a bold and outspoken personality, often engaging in controversies and political debates.
Legal experts believe that the court proceedings in this case could set an important precedent regarding the responsibilities of public figures when making statements in the media. As the legal battle unfolds, it remains to be seen how the court will rule on the defamation claims and what impact this case will have on both parties involved.
The next hearing in the case is expected to further examine the arguments presented by both sides, as the court continues its deliberation on the matter. For now, Ranaut’s compliance with the court’s directive has ensured that she remains in line with legal proceedings, but the outcome remains uncertain as the trial progresses.