Testimony was recorded on Friday in the ongoing defamation case filed by farmer activist Mahinder Kaur against Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut. The complainant, along with eyewitness Gurpreet Singh, appeared before the court, while Kangana once again failed to join the proceedings even virtually.

The court, which had earlier directed her to be present on November 24, noted that only her junior counsel had appeared on the previous date. During the hearing, Kangana’s legal team reiterated their request for a permanent exemption from personal appearance.

However, the complainant’s counsel strongly opposed the plea, urging the court to move the case forward. Following the arguments, the court proceeded to frame charges against Kangana and set the next hearing for December 15.

Outside the courtroom, Mahinder Kaur reiterated her resolve, stating she would “fight this battle till her last breath.” She also alleged that Kangana had tried to apologise in court under legal advice, but that the apology did not reflect genuine remorse.

The case traces back to the farmers' protest in Delhi, when Kangana Ranaut posted a statement on social media claiming that elderly women participating in the demonstrations were being paid “100 rupees” to attend.

Mahinder Kaur, a resident of Bahadurgarh Jandian village in Bathinda, filed the defamation complaint stating that the remark tarnished her dignity and misrepresented the protestors.

Kangana had recently approached the Supreme Court seeking to dismiss the case, but the plea was declined, clearing the way for trial proceedings in the Bathinda court.

The matter will now be taken up again on December 15, when the court is expected to review further submissions from both sides.