The Supreme Court has declined to entertain a plea filed by actress and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut, seeking to quash a criminal defamation case against her. The case stems from a tweet regarding an elderly woman, Mahinder Kaur, who participated in the farmers' protests in 2020-2021. Ranaut had allegedly labeled Kaur as a "paid protester," leading to the defamation complaint.
During the proceedings, a bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta expressed their disinclination to hear Ranaut's plea. Following the bench's stance, Ranaut's counsel withdrew the plea. The Supreme Court's firm stance effectively shut down the legal avenue for Ranaut to have the defamation case dismissed.
The remarks in question were made during the widespread farmers' protests against the now-repealed farm laws. Ranaut's comments sparked outrage and led to Mohinder Kaur filing a defamation case against her. The case has been ongoing, with Ranaut attempting to have it dismissed.
This is not the first time Ranaut has faced legal challenges related to her statements on social media. Her outspoken and often controversial remarks have frequently landed her in hot water. The present case highlights the legal ramifications of making potentially defamatory statements, especially in the context of public discourse and protests.
The Supreme Court's decision underscores the importance of responsible speech and the potential consequences of making unsubstantiated allegations against individuals. It also serves as a reminder that even public figures are not immune from legal action if their words are deemed defamatory. The case will now likely proceed in the lower courts, where Ranaut will have to defend herself against the defamation charges.