Court Rejects Kangana’s Plea: ‘She May Be A Celebrity But Is An Accused’

Mumbai: The metropolitan magistrate’s court in Andheri has rejected Kangana Ranaut’s petition for permanent exemption from appearing in the defamation case filed against her by lyricist Javed Akhtar.

Observing that the actress has not appeared before it so far with an intent to cooperate in the trial, the court turned down Kangana’s petition on Tuesday. The detailed order was made available on Thursday.

The court said Kangana’s plea for permanent exemption is premature as charges in the case are yet to be framed. However, the actress was assured her that her request may be entertained at a relevant stage.

Right now, if Kangana is permanently exempted from appearing in court, the complainant, a senior citizen, will be ‘seriously prejudiced’ and there will be no progress in the trial, the magistrate remarked.

Akhtar filed the complaint claiming that Kangana made defamatory statements against him in 2020, after the death of Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput.

Also Read: Setback For Kangana Ranaut In Javed Akhtar Defamation Case

The court found prima facie evidence to proceed with the trial and issued summons.

Kangana had stated in her petition that being one of the top actors in Hindi film industry, she needs to travel constantly for work which makes it difficult for her to attend court. She further said that she would ensure her legal representative would be present while undertaking to remain present when required.

Akhtar’s lawyer opposed the plea, arguing that Kangana was not attending court despite being in Mumbai, thus showing a “casual approach” towards the court.