BJP MP Seeks Exemption From Personal Court Appearance
BJP Member of Parliament Kangana Ranaut did not appear before the Bathinda district court on Monday in connection with a criminal defamation case, citing her engagement in the ongoing winter session of Parliament.
Her legal team informed the court that her absence was due to official parliamentary duties, which made it impossible for her to attend the hearing in person.
Request for Video Conferencing Appearance
Ranaut’s counsel submitted that an earlier application, filed on October 27, sought exemption from personal appearance and permission to attend court proceedings via video conferencing.
The application stated that parliamentary protocols require the MP’s presence in New Delhi during the winter session. Therefore, she was unable to travel to Punjab for the scheduled hearing on December 15.
Absence Not Intentional, Says Defence
According to the plea, Kangana Ranaut’s inability to attend court was beyond her control and was linked to a pre-scheduled official commitment outside Punjab.
The defence emphasised that the absence was neither deliberate nor intended to delay the proceedings, and requested the court to allow her exemption for the day.
Court Adjourns Matter to January 5, 2026
Prosecution counsel Raghbir Singh Behniwal told the court that the matter has now been adjourned to January 5, 2026.
The court also directed the complainant, Mohinder Kaur, to submit a list of additional witnesses, if any, she intends to examine in the case.
Defence Asked to Prepare for Cross-Examination
Additionally, the court instructed Ranaut’s defence counsel to:
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Be ready to cross-examine prosecution witnesses
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File a rejoinder in response to the complainant’s reply opposing Kangana Ranaut’s exemption plea
The case will proceed further at the next hearing in January.
