New Delhi — : The Legal proceedings against BJP MP and Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut have taken a new turn as the Sessions Court has issued a fresh notice in the sedition case previously dismissed by the MP-MLA Court. The matter, centered around alleged derogatory comments made by Kangana Ranaut against farmers and freedom fighters, will now be revisited on June 30, as directed by District Judge Sanjay Kumar Malik.
Background: Sedition Allegations and Dismissal by MP-MLA Court
The legal dispute began on September 11, 2024, when senior advocate Ramashankar Sharma, President of the Rajiv Gandhi Bar Association, filed a case accusing Kangana Ranaut of making indecent remarks about the farmer protests and of disrespecting freedom fighters. The case was initially heard by MP-MLA Court Judge Anuj Kumar Singh, who after a series of hearings, dismissed the petition on May 6.
Judge Singh concluded that the plaintiff’s family had no direct connection to the farmers’ protest, and that the required permissions from the District Magistrate and state authorities had not been sought prior to the filing of the case. These procedural lapses were deemed significant enough to nullify the plea at that stage.
Revival in Sessions Court: Plaintiff Seeks Revision
Unwilling to accept the dismissal, the petitioner, Advocate Ramashankar Sharma, moved the Sessions Court in revision. After reviewing the matter, District Judge Sanjay Kumar Malik decided that the case required further scrutiny and ordered the issuance of a fresh notice to Kangana Ranaut.
This decision effectively reopens a case that had been put to rest, signaling that the judiciary may want to examine the wider implications of public statements made by elected representatives, especially when they involve matters as sensitive as farmers’ rights and national icons.
Three Legal Notices Earlier Sent to Kangana Ranaut
Before the initial dismissal, the MP-MLA Court had made multiple efforts to bring Kangana Ranaut before the court. Three notices were sent to her known addresses in Kullu Manali, Himachal Pradesh, and Delhi, seeking her response. However, she did not appear in court.
Despite her absence, the court proceeded to hear arguments from the plaintiff’s side and ruled in favor of dismissal on procedural grounds. Now that the Sessions Court has intervened, Kangana’s legal team may be compelled to respond more formally in the upcoming hearing.
Allegations: Remarks on Farmers and Freedom Fighters Spark Controversy
The original petition accused Kangana of using objectionable language regarding the 2020–21 farmers’ protests, as well as comments deemed insulting toward freedom fighters. These remarks reportedly surfaced on social media platforms and public forums, where she allegedly questioned the intent and patriotism of protesting farmers, and made dismissive references to the legacy of national leaders.
The plaintiff contends that such remarks incite public unrest and offend national sentiment, thereby falling under the purview of sedition and defamation laws. The case hinges on whether Kangana’s statements qualify as deliberate attempts to provoke hatred or discontent against established authorities, a requirement under India’s sedition statute.
Legal Hurdles: Need for Government Sanction Under Scrutiny
One of the key reasons the MP-MLA Court dismissed the case earlier was the absence of prior approval from the competent government authority, which is mandatory in sedition-related matters. As per Indian law, a sanction from the state or central government is typically required before prosecuting a public servant or public figure under charges such as sedition.
Legal experts argue that this omission could weaken the case again, unless the plaintiff secures appropriate permissions or the court decides to override procedural technicalities in favor of a deeper judicial review.
Political and Legal Implications: Kangana’s Position Under Spotlight
As a BJP Member of Parliament, Kangana Ranaut’s actions and statements hold significant political weight. This case brings into focus the delicate balance between freedom of speech and accountability in public discourse, especially when those statements pertain to socio-political movements like the farmers’ protests.
The revival of this sedition case could spark wider political debates, with opposition leaders likely to question whether elected officials should be shielded from legal scrutiny simply because of their political status.
Upcoming Hearing: All Eyes on June 30
With the Sessions Court setting June 30 as the next date of hearing, the legal fraternity, political observers, and media houses will be watching closely. The fresh notice to Kangana Ranaut may require her legal representatives to either appear in person or file a formal response to the charges.
If the Sessions Court finds grounds to proceed with the trial, Kangana may face full legal proceedings, potentially including the framing of charges, witness depositions, and public testimonies.
Public Sentiment and Media Reaction
This high-profile legal dispute has once again thrust freedom of expression, political commentary, and legal responsibility into the national spotlight. Public reactions have been polarized, with some viewing the case as an attack on free speech, while others believe accountability is necessary when remarks hurt collective sentiments or undermine public dignity.
Social media is abuzz with renewed interest in Kangana’s past remarks, and legal analysts are divided on whether this case will stand judicial scrutiny a second time.
