New Delhi, Mar 16: The Delhi High Court on Monday listed former Union minister M. J. Akbar’s plea challenging the acquittal of journalist Priya Ramani in a criminal defamation case over allegations of sexual misconduct for final hearing on September 24.
Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma said the trial court records had been received and written submissions from both sides had been filed. “Trial court record has been received. Written submissions have been filed by both the parties. List for final hearing on the next date,” the court observed.
Akbar has challenged the trial court’s February 17, 2021 order that acquitted Ramani in the defamation case, holding that a woman has the right to raise her grievances on any platform of her choice, even after many years.
The high court had earlier agreed to examine Akbar’s appeal against the trial court’s verdict and admitted the plea, issuing notice to Ramani.
In his appeal, Akbar argued that the trial court’s decision was based on surmises and conjectures and that it failed to properly consider the arguments and evidence presented before it.
His plea further stated that the trial court erred in observing that he did not have a stellar reputation and ignored established principles of criminal jurisprudence.
The trial court had dismissed Akbar’s defamation complaint and acquitted Ramani, stating that the charges against her were not proved.
The case stems from allegations made by Ramani during the #MeToo movement in 2018, when she accused Akbar of sexual misconduct. Following the allegations, Akbar filed a criminal defamation complaint against her on October 15, 2018, claiming his reputation had been damaged by the accusations made decades after the alleged incident. (Agency)
