MJ Akbar's defamation case: Court accepts suit filed against Ramani
In the sexual harassment allegations leveled against former MoS External Ministry MJ Akbar, a Delhi court accepted the defamation case. It was filed against journalist Priya Ramani. He was represented by lawyer Geeta Luthra in the court of Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Samar Vishal. The matter is fixed for October 31 for examination of complainant and his witnesses. Here's more.
Representing Akbar, Luthra reads 'defamatory' tweets in court
Luthra made arguments on the behalf of Akbar. When Justice Vishal asked to see the tweets, Luthra read them out. "It (tweet) is clearly defamatory. It is lowering my reputation. It is years and years after what she claims these events took place", Geeta Luthra said for Akbar. She told the court the tweet had a wide reach and many retweets.
Akbar's counsels explain how his image was tarnished
Further, Karanjawala Partner Sandeep Kapur told the court the tweet was picked by many media houses and it tarnished the image of Akbar. Luthra said all the reputation Akbar built over the years, was ruined by the tweet.
I take cognizance of offense: Judge Samar Vishal
When Priya Ramani spoke up, Akbar filed legal suit
Akbar filed a defamation suit against journalist Priya Ramani, who was the first one to name and shame him for his actions when he was an editor. Dismissing the claims, Akbar called the allegations 'malicious, fabricated and salacious'. On this Ramani replied, the truth was her best defense against any defamation case. She also got the support of Asian Age's former journalists.
Meanwhile, Editors Guild asks Akbar to withdraw case against Ramani
Showing solidarity towards Ramani, Editors Guild asked Akbar to withdraw defamation case filed against Ramani. In a letter, the body said it appreciated the courage shown by female journalists recently. "While Mr. Akbar is entitled to all legal instruments available to a citizen to seek vindication, it would be paradoxical for a veteran editor to employ the instrument of criminal defamation," the letter read.
