Bathinda: Bollywood actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut appeared before a Bathinda court on Monday and tendered a public apology to farmer activist Bebe Mahinder Kaur for her controversial remarks made during the 2020–21 farmers’ agitation. The apology marks a significant turn in the defamation case filed by the elderly farmer nearly five years ago.
Kangana told the court that her remarks were made “jaanē anjānē vich” (knowingly or unknowingly) and expressed deep regret for the statement that had caused distress. She said she never intended to hurt anyone’s sentiments and respects the sacrifices of farmers, especially elderly women who took part in the protests.
The case originated from a social media post made by Kangana in December 2020, during the height of the farmers’ protests against the now-repealed farm laws. In that post, she allegedly misidentified Bebe Mahinder Kaur as another woman who was said to have participated in protests for money. Feeling defamed, Mahinder Kaur filed a criminal complaint under Sections 499 and 500 of the Indian Penal Code, which deal with defamation.
Earlier this year, the Punjab and Haryana High Court dismissed Kangana’s plea seeking to quash the summons in the case, allowing the trial to proceed. Following that, Kangana approached the Supreme Court, which also declined to interfere. The Bathinda court subsequently made her personal appearance mandatory.
On Monday, Kangana appeared in court and apologized directly, saying she was ready to make amends for her earlier comments. Legal experts say such an apology could influence the course of the case, though it does not automatically terminate criminal proceedings. The Bathinda court will now decide the next steps based on her statement.
Bebe Mahinder Kaur, now in her late seventies, was one of the prominent elderly faces of the farmers’ protest. She has repeatedly maintained that Kangana’s 2020 remarks caused her public humiliation and damaged her reputation among villagers and fellow protesters.
The court has taken note of Kangana’s apology and is expected to set the next hearing date soon.
