Javed Akhtar v. Kangana Ranaut: How the court battle has progressed

A Mumbai Sessions Court will pronounce its verdict on Wednesday in the applications filed by actress Kangana Ranaut seeking transfer of cases involving Bollywood lyricist Javed Akhtar from the Andheri Magistrate Court to another Magistrate. .Ranaut has sought transfer of the following two complaints:The complaint filed by Akhtar against Ranaut for making allegedly defamatory statements against him in a Republic TV interview aired in July 2019;Ranaut's cross-complaint against Akhtar raising allegations of criminal conspiracy, extortion and outraging modesty by invading her privacy..The legal tussle between Akhtar and Ranaut has been going on since November 2020, after Akhtar filed a criminal complaint against Ranaut alleging defamation.Ranaut had made certain remarks against Akhtar on an interview aired on Republic TV triggering the complaint.Since then, there has been a cross complaint, revisions and applications filed by Ranaut in many criminal courts across Mumbai.Throughout this period, advocate Jay K Bharadwaj has appeared for Akhtar and advocate Rizwan Siddiquee has appeared for Ranaut..November 3, 2020: Akhtar filed defamation complaint before Metropolitan Magistrate at Andheri against Ranaut for making allegedly defamatory statements against him in a Republic TV interview aired in July 2019..December 19, 2020: Metropolitan Magistrate RR Khan directed the Juhu Police station, Mumbai, to conduct an investigation into the complaint..February 1, 2021: Based on such report received, Magistrate Khan summoned Ranaut to appear in Court after a month..March 1, 2021: After Ranaut failed to appear in Court, the Magistrate issued a bailable warrant against Ranaut.Ranaut eventually appeared in Court on March 25, and got her bailable warrant cancelled.She was then directed to remain present in Court for recording of plea..March 15, 2021: Ranaut meanwhile challenged the order issuing process and warrant before the Mumbai Sessions Court at Dindoshi. In the revision application, she stated that the Magistrate had not examined the witnesses on oath.This was dismissed by Additional Sessions Judge SU Baghele on April 5, 2021..July 21, 2021: Ranaut moved the Bombay High Court seeking to quash the entire proceedings initiated by the Magistrate Khan on the ground that the Magistrate did not follow due procedure of law. This was opposed by Akhtar vehemently.Upholding the discretionary orders of Magistrate Khan, Justice Revati Mohite Dere dismissed the plea on September 9, 2021..July 27, 2021: As Ranaut continued to remain absent for the criminal proceedings before Magistrate Khan, the Magistrate issued a warning that if Ranaut does not remain present for recording of plea, then warrant will be issued against her.When this was not complied with Magistrate Khan warned Ranaut of arrest warrant on September 14, 2021 in case of non-appearance on the following date..September 20, 2021: Following such warnings by the Magistrate, Ranaut filed an application before the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) at Esplanade Mumbai seeking transfer of the complaint filed by Akhtar to another Magistrate. She claimed to have "lost faith in Magistrate Khan's court".Ranaut also filed a cross-complaint against Akhtar raising allegations of criminal conspiracy, extortion and outraging modesty by invading her privacy.October 2021: The CMM sought a report from Magistrate Khan on Ranaut's transfer plea and after examination of said report, dismissed the transfer application on October 21, 2021 saying that if matters are transferred on the basis of a false allegation, it will affect the morale of the concerned judge. .November 13, 2021: Ranaut filed a second transfer application seeking transfer of her cross complaint to another Magistrate on the grounds that the Magistrate had previously misused his powers and caused injury to Ranaut in the complaint filed by Akhtar.This application was dismissed by the CMM at Esplanade on December 18, 2021..December 17, 2021: The October 2021 order of the CMM was challenged by Ranaut in appeal before the Sessions Court at Dindoshi which was opposed by Akhtar.December 31, 2021: Judge Baghele upheld the order of the Magistrate and dismissed the appeal filed by Ranaut..January 24, 2022: After this, Ranaut invoked the exclusive jurisdiction of the Sessions Court under Section 408 of the CrPC, seeking a transfer of proceedings being held before Magistrate Khan to any other magistrate. Akhtar has filed his response to this application and hearing on arguments, the application has been reserved for orders by Additional Sessions Judge SM Bhosale. Ranaut also filed a second application before the Sessions Court under Section 408 seeking directions to transfer her cross complaint which is to be heard by Magistrate Khan, to any other Magistrate.The order in these applications will be pronounced on March 9, 2022.