Kangana Ranaut faces legal action over controversial 'Real Independence' comment, sparks outrage among netizens

Kangana Ranaut, an actor-turned-politician, is in the news once again, and this time she is in for some legal drama for her provocative remarks about India's independence. The Jabalpur District Court issued a notice to the BJP MP after she asserted that, "the freedom we got in 1947 was the result of begging and that real independence came in 2014." This controversial statement has sparked significant criticism and, now, subsequent legal action.

FIR against Kangana Ranaut

Advocate Amit Sahu filed a complaint in 2021, claiming that Kangana's statements had greatly harmed him. He first reported the matter to the Adhartal police station, but when no action was taken, he decided to go to court. Sahu has asked the court to charge the actor-politician under relevant sections of the IPC for uttering such a comment. The court has scheduled the next hearing for November 5.

Kangana Ranaut’s controversial statement

For those unfamiliar, Kangana made this statement in 2021, which sparked outrage in political and social spheres. The remark sparked a nationwide debate, with many accusing her of understating the struggles of India's freedom fighters. She argued that India's freedom in 1947 was "given as alms" and that the country actually became free in 2014, referring to the rise of the PM Narendra Modi government. And not only, advocate Amit Sahu, Many others wondered if she was criticising the country's lengthy struggle for freedom.

Kangana Ranaut about? Subhas Chandra Bose

The scandal erupted again when Kangana addressed the outrage at the Times Now Summit 2024. When questioned about her statement, the BJP MP from Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, refused to back down. She maintained that true freedom extends beyond physical liberation, claiming that India was not truly free in 1947 because it was still constrained by British legal systems and beliefs. She continued with her inquiry saying, "if we were truly free, why did Subhas Chandra Bose, who fought for our independence, just disappear without any recognition?"

She did not end there. In a more dramatic move, Kangana accused post-independence officials of maintaining British control, calling them an "extension of the British." She claimed that individuals jailed during British control were now running the country, implying that they are no better than their British rivals.

Netizens react

Kangana's words have triggered heated debates once more, with many detractors demanding accountability and legal consequences. Her words have sparked outrage, particularly among those who believe she has diminished the sacrifices made by innumerable freedom fighters who fought for India's independence.? Critics argue that such statements, especially from a public figure, undermine the sacrifices and struggles of freedom fighters like Mahatma Gandhi, Bhagat Singh, and countless others who laid the foundation for the country’s independence in 1947. Legal experts believe this case could set a significant precedent in how public figures are held accountable for their statements.