Kangana Ranaut might be a celebrity, but she is also an accused: Mumbai court
India Today
A magistrate court in Mumbai observed that Kangana Ranaut may have professional commitments but she is an accused in the defamation case filed by Javed Akhtar.
In the Javed Akhtar defamation case, magistrate RR Khan of the 10th Metropolitan Magistrate Court in Mumbai noted that Kangana Ranaut may have professional assignments but she cannot forget that she is an accused in this case.
Magistrate Khan observed, "Till date, the accused has not appeared for framing of a particular offence though the matter was specifically kept for her appearance for framing of particulars of the offence. Per contra, the accused is dictating her own terms for the trial of this case in the manner she likes. Admittedly, the accused cannot claim permanent exemption as of right. The accused has to follow the established procedure of law and terms and conditions of her bail bonds. No doubt, being a celebrity, the accused has her professional assignments but she cannot forget that she is an accused in this case."
The magistrate noted that as per records, Ranaut had appeared on two occasions — once during the time the case was taken on board and on the second for making allegations of bias against the court. "Till date the accused has not appeared with an intent to cooperate with the court for the trial of allegations levelled against her," the court said.
Further, the magistrate said, "Keeping in view the earlier conduct of the accused as per the record of the case, non-framing of particulars of the offence till date and strong agitation of complainant regarding willful absence of accused are the grounds which compel this court for non-exercise of judicial discretion in favour of the accused at least at this juncture."
On Tuesday, the magistrate had rejected actor Kangana Ranaut's application which she was requesting for permanent exception. Akhtar's case is at a juncture where charges must be framed against Ranaut.
READ | Mumbai court rejects Kangana Ranaut's plea seeking transfer of Javed Akhtar's complaint
The court noted that Ranaut had filed the application on her first appearance and "thereafter she remained engaged in challenging the order of issuance of process."
