MUMBAI: In a setback for actor Kangana Ranaut, the Bombay High Court bench of Justices Prasanna Varale and Surendra Tavade on Tuesday refused to grant an urgent hearing to her. The actress has moved the bench seeking directives to the Passport Authority (PA) to renew her passport as its officials refused to do so owing to the FIR lodged against her for spreading hatred through her tweets.
Kangana through her counsel Rizwan Siddiqui had petitioned the bench challenging the 'objection' raised by the officers of PA for renewing her passport. She sought renewal of her passport as she wants to visit Hungary, where she is slated to shoot for her upcoming film - Dhaakad.
Siddiqui told the judges that the actress needs to attend the shooting between June 15 to June 30 and thus an urgent hearing be given to him. "My client went to the passport office sought renewal but officers there told her orally to approach this court for renewal. This was because we diligently filled in the details pertaining to the present proceedings pending against us," he submitted.
However, the judges refused to grant the request and adjourned the hearing till June 25.
"First of all your client (Kangana) has filed a very vague application. She has sought directions against the Passport Authority but she hasn't added it as a party to her plea. Further, she hasn't placed on record any order by which renewal of passport was denied to her," Justice Varale observed.
To this, Siddiqui contested saying that his client needs to visit Hungary by June 15 as the entire crew including the star cast have reached the shooting site. "Production work is going to start soon. Please consider this aspect and grant an earlier hearing," the counsel requested.
"Your client has not been vigilant enough to approach the court earlier. The production can wait for her. Re-arrange her schedule," Justice Varale told Siddiqui, who again sought an earlier date.
At this, Justice Varale said, "Mr Siddiqui as requested we give you an early hearing." "Please keep it before 15," Siddiqui urged, however, the judge responded, "No. The hearing will take place on June 25. That's the earliest we can hear."
The bench has ordered Kangana to add PA as a respondent to her application and also file an affidavit stating that the present plea is only limited to her travel and not that of her sister Rangoli.
"We can understand that Kangana wants to go abroad for her work assignments since she is a performer. But what about her sister? She isn't into performing work. She can't be allowed," Justice Varale clarified.
However, Siddiqui maintained that the plea is only for Kangana and not for Rangoli.
Matter to be heard on June 25.
