MP Cites Parliamentary Duties for Court Absence
BJP MP Kangana Ranaut did not appear in the Bathinda district court on Monday in a criminal defamation case filed by Mohinder Kaur. Her absence was due to participation in the ongoing winter session of Parliament, her counsel stated.
The legal team emphasized that her absence was unavoidable and related to official parliamentary responsibilities, and not intended to delay court proceedings.
Video Conferencing Request Submitted Earlier
Ranaut’s counsel informed the court that an application filed on October 27 had requested exemption from personal appearance and permission to participate via video conferencing.
The application highlighted that the winter parliamentary session requires her presence in New Delhi, making travel to Bathinda impossible on the scheduled hearing date of December 15.
Court Acknowledges Reason for Absence
The defence clarified that her absence was beyond her control due to pre-scheduled official commitments outside Punjab. The court noted that this was not a deliberate attempt to evade the proceedings.
Defamation Case Hearing Rescheduled
The court adjourned the case to January 5, 2026, allowing both sides time to prepare. The complainant, Mohinder Kaur, was asked to submit a list of additional witnesses, if any, for examination.
Defence to Prepare for Witness Cross-Examination
The court instructed Kangana Ranaut’s defence team to:
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Be prepared to cross-examine the prosecution witnesses
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File a rejoinder responding to the complainant’s objections against her exemption request
The case will continue on January 5, 2026, when both parties are expected to present their arguments.
