Kangana Ranaut’s Plea Dismissed in Javed Akhtar Case

Bollywood actress and politician Kangana Ranaut has faced a legal setback after a Mumbai court dismissed her plea to cancel the defamation proceedings filed against her by veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar. The court made a striking remark, observing that Ranaut had “added spice” to her statements during a television interview, making the issue more dramatic than it was.

This case dates back to 2020, when Ranaut accused Akhtar of threatening her during a private conversation. She claimed he tried to influence her decisions and silence her after disputes in the film industry. Akhtar, denying these allegations, filed a defamation complaint, stating her words tarnished his reputation and created a false public image of him.

In her latest plea, Ranaut argued that the case had no legal basis and should be quashed. The court, however, disagreed. According to the order, her claims could not be dismissed lightly as they involved serious questions about a person’s character and had been made in a widely-publicized setting. The court said she exaggerated details, adding “spice,” which could not be overlooked.

Legally, this means the case will now continue, and both sides will have to present evidence during trial. Ranaut, being a public figure, is no stranger to controversies, but this judgment serves as a reminder that free speech has its boundaries—particularly when it comes to affecting someone else’s reputation. Defamation laws in India are strict, allowing criminal complaints that can result in fines or even imprisonment.

Observers see the judgment as part of a larger trend where courts are carefully balancing freedom of expression with accountability. Celebrities, in particular, wield enormous influence through their words, and even a passing comment can carry serious legal weight. By insisting the matter proceed to trial, the court has underlined the need for public figures to exercise responsibility while making accusations.

While Ranaut’s supporters may view this as an attempt to silence an outspoken voice, others argue that defamation laws are in place to ensure reputations are not unfairly destroyed. For Akhtar, the dismissal of her plea validates his stand that the allegations deserve a hearing in full.

The case will now move forward in the lower court, where each side will present witnesses and evidence. Until then, the judgment serves both as a cautionary tale for celebrities and as an important test of the balance between expression and defamation in Indian law.

With inputs from agencies

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