[MJ Akbar v. Priya Ramani] Social media trial unacceptable in a country governed by rule of law: Geeta Luthra argues for Akbar - LIVE UPDATES

The Court of the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Rouse Avenue is hearing former Union Minister MJ Akbar's criminal defamation case against the journalist, Priya Ramani for her allegations of sexual harassment against Akbar.

Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Ravindra Kumar Pandey is hearing the matter. Since a new judge has taken over, the parties are making final submissions afresh.

After Senior Advocate Rebecca John concluded her submissions on behalf of Priya Ramani, Senior Advocate Geetha Luthra is making submissions for MJ Akbar.

At the last hearing, Senior Advocate Luthra contended that Ramani's allegations came for the first time after the former Minister joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2014 and became a Member of Parliament.

Read an account of the last hearing:

Live updates from the hearing today feature here.