MUMBAI: A magistrate court on Monday issued a bailable warrant against actor Kangana Ranaut in the defamation complaint submitted by veteran Bollywood lyricist Javed Akhtar. The warrant was issued after the actor failed to appear before the court.

“For wilful absence of the accused without any justified reasons, despite service of summons, issue bailable warrant of Rs 1,000 against accused Ms Kangana,” said metropolitan Magistrate R R Khan. Akhtar’s lawyer Vrinda Grover sought issuance of a non-bailable warrant against her. The court said, “However, keeping in view the nature of the litigation, it appears to me a harsh step.”

Ranaut’s lawyer Rizwan Siddiquee said he will soon move the appropriate court challenging all actions taken by the magistrate court so far and seek a stay. “The magistrate court has grossly erred in taking cognisance of the matter and issuing summons to my client, without even verifying the complainant’sfour witnesses on oath,” he said.

The court said right now, in the absence of any orders from higher courts, her remaining absent despite receipt of summons shows her conduct.