Bathinda court adjourns defamation case against Kangana Ranaut to March 10 amid lawyers’ strike

A defamation case against BJP Member of Parliament and actor Kangana Ranaut was adjourned in a Bathinda court on Tuesday after proceedings were disrupted due to a statewide lawyers’ strike in Punjab. The matter has now been rescheduled for March 10.

Court proceedings were affected as lawyers across Punjab began a week-long strike, leading to the postponement of multiple hearings, including the case involving Ranaut. The strike has impacted regular functioning in several district courts.

According to bar representatives, the protest has been called in opposition to certain proposed measures, including arrangements related to the provision of government-appointed defence counsel for accused persons, the establishment of Gram Nyayalayas, and concerns linked to action plan cases. Lawyers have announced that the strike will continue until February 27.

The adjournment means the high-profile case will now be taken up in early March, subject to normal court operations resuming. Legal observers note that extended work stoppages can contribute to case backlogs, particularly in district courts where pendency is already a concern.