According to reports, Kangana Ranaut might face trouble for skipping court hearings in the Javed Akhtar defamation case. The actress had to personally be present before a metropolitan magistrate’s court, however, she failed to do so. As per reports, the court, on Tuesday, granted exemption from appearance to Kangana in the defamation proceedings and said if she remains absent during the next hearing, it will issue an arrest warrant against her.
Reportedly, Kangana's lawyer Rizwan Siddiqui informed the court that she was showing 'Covid-like symptoms' and has 'not been feeling too well'. Apparently, he also submitted a medical certificate. "She has been travelling continuously to promote her film and meeting a lot of people. She is ill probably because of that. She has to undergo a Covid-19 test. I am seeking a short date," Siddiqui reportedly told the court.
On the other hand, Javed's lawyer, Jay Bhanushali, reportedly opposed Kangana's plea and stated that she failed to appear before the court for the last eight hearings. The court added, “If she fails to remain present, I will issue an arrest warrant against her." He further added that multiple reasons have been given over the past few months, including a shoot in Budapest and promotion of films, for her non-appearance. He reportedly told, "It is an orchestrated motive to delay the case and no respect has been shown to the judicial proceeding."
Bhanushali told that his client, Javed, has been 'diligently' attending all court hearings. In response to Bhanushali's argument, Kangana's lawyer Rizwan apparently told the court, "3-4 were dates when the court was not functioning." He said Kangana was genuinely suffering and the court hearing had to go on without her.
Siddiqui reportedly assured the court that Kangana will be present for the next hearing if her COVID-19 test is negative. The next hearing is on September 20.
(Source: The Indian Express)
