Bollywood lyricist Javed Akhtar filed an application on Saturday, requesting the issuance of a non-bailable warrant (NBW) against actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut for her repeated failure to appear in court.

Ranaut was expected to attend court on Saturday but was absent. In response, Akhtar's lawyer, Jay Bharadwaj, highlighted that Ranaut had previously sought permanent exemption from court appearances, which was denied and upheld by both the Sessions Court and the Bombay High Court.

Bharadwaj noted, "Despite the rejection of the accused's application, she has repeatedly failed to appear before this court, filing exemptions instead. A bailable warrant was also issued against her on March 1, 2021."

Ranaut had appeared in court earlier to have the bailable warrant canceled. During Saturday's hearing, Akhtar's lawyer argued that Ranaut has consistently delayed court proceedings, necessitating the issuance of an NBW to ensure her presence.

The court decided to keep the application on hold and directed Ranaut to appear at the next hearing, scheduled for September 9, 2024. Ranaut's lawyers assured the court that she would be present on that date.

The case dates back to a 2016 meeting at Akhtar's Mumbai residence, involving Ranaut and actor Hrithik Roshan. Akhtar, who is close to the Roshans, had reportedly intervened and asked Ranaut to apologize to Roshan amid their public dispute over exchanged emails.

In 2021, Ranaut described the 2016 meeting in a televised interview, prompting Akhtar to file a defamation complaint against her. Ranaut also lodged a complaint against Akhtar, but the Dindoshi Sessions court stayed the proceedings against him.

Earlier this year, the Bombay High Court dismissed Ranaut's petition seeking to halt Akhtar's defamation trial, in which she argued that their cross-complaints should be heard together. Akhtar's defamation complaint, filed in 2020, stemmed from remarks Ranaut made during a TV interview about their 2016 encounter.

Ranaut's repeated non-appearances have now led to Akhtar seeking stricter measures to ensure her compliance with court proceedings.