[BREAKING] Delhi High Court issues notice to Priya Ramani on appeal by MJ Akbar against Ramani's acquittal in criminal defamation case

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday issued notice in the appeal filed by former Union Minister MJ Akbar against a trial court order acquitting journalist Priya Ramani in the criminal defamation case filed against her for making allegations of sexual harassment against him (MJ Akbar v. Priya Ramani)..A single-judge Bench of Justice Mukta Gupta sought response from Ramani, ordering,"Issue notice to the respondents via speed post and other means. The matter will be heard on January 13.".Senior Advocate Geeta Luthra appearing on behalf of MJ Akbar submitted, that Ramani's argument was absurd and implied disbelief in the allegations made by her. Luthra also contended unpalatable names had been called in Court without due care and caution in the process. "The Court didn't even go into the main three issues and wrongly noted on CW 1/11. It also called a person by unpalatable names, without any due care or caution. Moreover, many parts of admissibility were not even decided," Luthra said.She also said that it is not fair for someone to come up and say that 'there is a possibility of defence.' In this regard, she added,"You can't use arguments like possibility of defence. Defence has to be categorical and not just possible."Senior Advocate Rajiv Nayar who also appeared on behalf of Akbar, contended that the present case concerned itself with criminal defamation and that there was no reason to go into aspects of sexual harassment as was being done. "Defamation can be made out but it's not a case of sexual harassment. The judgement ought to have ended at page 147 and there is nothing to be adjudicated or answered in this case," Nayar said.Having heard both the counsel, the Court said,"If it is defamatory, there is no need to go for second step. How can a judgement be closed at page 147?"The Court then inquired counsel what was said on other counts.To this, both senior counsel agreed that it said nothing on other counts. The Court asked if this was the first appeal, to which Luthra said, "Yes, this is the first appeal."Thereafter, the Court issued notice and listed the matter for hearing on January 13, 2022.."There are far more important matters:" Delhi High Court posts MJ Akbar appeal against Priya Ramani acquittal for August 11