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MJ Akbar vs Priya Ramani MeToo case updates: After a Delhi court acquitted Ramani in a criminal defamation complaint by Akbar, her lawyer Rebecca John said it was difficult trial and the case was the most important in her career. Meanwhile, Twitter was flooded with pictures of Ramani and John. A number of woman journalists hailed the Delhi court’s acquittal of Priya Ramani in a criminal defamation case, saying it is “a big win for all women in India and a huge step forward for gender justice in the workplace.” Women journalists and activists hailed the Delhi court’s verdict. The court acquitted journalist Priya Ramani in the MJ Akbar defamation case saying that the “right of reputation can’t be protected at the cost of right to dignity.” Noting that a woman has the right to put her grievance even after decades, the Delhi court acquitted Priya Ramani in the criminal defamation case. “You are acquitted from the present case”, the court told Ramani. While reading put the order, the court observed that even a man of social status can be a sexual harasser. Sexual abuse takes away dignity and self-confidence, it said and added “Right of reputation can’t be protected at the cost of right to dignity”. Reading the order, the court said that there are social stigma attached with the allegations. Society must understand the impact of sexual abuse and harassment on its victims, read the court. Court continues to read the order and recorded that Ramani’s disclosure was in the interest of helping those facing sexual harassment at workplace The court reassembled and started reading out the judgment. The court noted that the “tweet on on resignation” was untrue and said the content was defamatory. The court has reassmebled and the verdict is expected shortly. The court assembled at 2 pm today but the judge asked Ramani and Akbar to wait outside while they made corrections to the judgment. Verdict will take half an hour, the court had said After a trial of almost two years, a Delhi court is expected to pronounce its verdict today (Wednesday) at 2 pm in former Union Minister MJ Akbar’s criminal defamation complaint against journalist Priya Ramani for her allegations of sexual harassment against the former journalist. Order will be pronounced by Judge Ravindra Kumar Pandey in the physical presence of parties, as per reports. Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Ravindra Kumar had on 1 February reserved the judgment for 10 February after Akbar and Ramani completed their arguments. However, on 10 February, the court deferred the judgment for 17 February, saying the verdict was not complete since both the parties filed their written submission late. Ramani had made allegations of sexual misconduct against Akbar in the wake of #MeToo movement in 2018. Over 20 women came up with accounts of the alleged sexual harassment by Akbar while they were working as journalists under him. Akbar had filed the complaint against Ramani on October 15, 2018 for allegedly defaming him by accusing him of sexual misconduct decades ago. He resigned as Union minister on October 17, 2018. Akbar had earlier told the court that Ramani had defamed him by calling him with adjectives such as ‘media’s biggest predator’ that harmed his reputation. He has denied all the allegations of sexual harassment against the women who came forward during #MeToo campaign against him and termed the allegations false, fabricated and deeply distressing and said he was taking appropriate legal action against them. Advocate Rebecca John, appearing for Ramani, had said that Akbar should not get any relief as he chose to target Ramani to target other women. With inputs from PTI
MJ Akbar vs Priya Ramani MeToo case updates: Photos of Ramani with Rebecca John flood social media, lawyer says 'most important case of career'
MJ Akbar vs Priya Ramani MeToo case updates: After a Delhi court acquitted Ramani in a criminal defamation complaint by Akbar, her lawyer Rebecca John said it was difficult trial and the case was the most important in her career.
 "MJ Akbar vs Priya Ramani MeToo case updates: Photos of Ramani with Rebecca John flood social media, lawyer says 'most important case of career'")
‘Victory sets an important precedent for truth’: Twitterati hails verdict
Meanwhile reactions continue to pour in on the judgment. Journalists, activists and lawyers lauded Ramani and said the verdict “sets an important precedent for truth, spoken in the public interest.” Many also shared images of Ramani and her lawyer Rebecca John.
Acquited. big day and test case. #PriyaRamani stands tall conducting herself magnificently. M.J.Akbar loses https://t.co/gvUQkxO9v9
— Saba Naqvi (@_sabanaqvi) February 17, 2021
Priya Ramani and Rebecca John. The smiles say it alllllllll. It’s no longer @mjakbar versus Priya Ramani. Its about them and all of us who believed in the power of truth pic.twitter.com/jFmSmX7qwQ
— Harinder Baweja (@shammybaweja) February 17, 2021
YES!!!! #PriyaRamani YES. Akbar's defamation case rejected. More power to more women to speak up and break the silence. Happy and proud to be in court today #MeToo pic.twitter.com/XgxScyeBYH
— barkha dutt (@BDUTT) February 17, 2021
Sexual harassment has got the attention it deserves, says Priya Ramani
Speaking to reporters after a Delhi court acquitted her, Ramani said, " It feels amazing, truly does. I feel vindicated on behalf of all the women who have ever spoken out against sexual harassment. Sexual harassment has got the attention it deserves."
‘It feels amazing, truly does. I feel vindicated on behalf of all the women who have ever spoken out against sexual harassment. Sexual harassment has got the attention it deserves.’
— Radhika Bordia (@radhikabordia) February 17, 2021
What an important victory #PriyaRamani pic.twitter.com/HMALDBUCau
Most important case of my career, says Rebecca John
“It was an extremely difficult trial to do and it was also challenging with regards to the defences we pleaded because this are defences people normally don’t take. I think when you fight powerful people and when you have only truth on your side, the journey becomes very very relevant to you. I think it was the most important career of my life,” she told Bar&Bench.
“This is the most important case of my lifetime” - Rebecca John
— Bar and Bench (@barandbench) February 17, 2021
She spoke to Aditi Singh post the verdict in MJ Akbar vs Priya Ramani#metoo @IndiaMeToo @mjakbar #mjakbar #PriyaRamani #SexualHarassment @aditi2118 pic.twitter.com/iiCByTjJRV
‘Huge step forward for gender justice in workplace’: woman journalists welcome judgment
A number of woman journalists hailed the Delhi court’s acquittal of Priya Ramani in a criminal defamation case, saying it is “a big win for all women in India and a huge step forward for gender justice in the workplace.”
Delhi Court Acquits Priya Ramani In MJ Akbar's Criminal Defamation Case. This is a big win for all women in India and a huge step forward for gender justice in the workplace. Congratulations to the courageous #PriyaRamani and her lawyer Rebecca John. 👏🏽👏🏽 https://t.co/tkaFR80kEM
— Sagarika Ghose (@sagarikaghose) February 17, 2021
Big story with huge implications. #PriyaRamani had accused former BJP minister MJ Akbar of sexual harassment during a job interview as #MeToo movement took off in India. More than a dozen women came forward with similar stories about him. https://t.co/gzuXFFEfSW
— Niha Masih (@NihaMasih) February 17, 2021
To think a survivor had to fight a long, onerous battle to keep herself out of prison.
— Poulomi Saha (@PoulomiMSaha) February 17, 2021
Mind you, a survivor.
That is what we are celebrating today. #PriyaRamani, in her struggle, has given generations of women, a voice.
Speak out ✊🏼
Journalists hail verdict
Soon after Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court acquitted journalist Priya Ramani in a criminal defamation complaint filed by former Union minister MJ Akbar, journalists took to Twitter to hail the verdict. Some congratulated Ramani for putting up a brave fight while others noted that it was an important win for the women in India.
Today is a big day for women India.
— Vinod K. Jose (@vinodjose) February 17, 2021
MJ Akbar had major powers behind him.
Salute to the courageous woman, Priya Ramani.
Advocate Rebecca John has made history by winning a vital battle for the women in India against all legal odds.
Truth wins eventually. https://t.co/xGUOuh8fq3
Senior journalist/commentator Priya Ramani acquitted. A very important case for many reasons. Court says no defamation of former minister and BJP MP MJ Akbar occurred. https://t.co/YdZhR5WkGi
— Seema Chishti (@seemay) February 17, 2021
Every sexual harasser must fall. #PriyaRamani what a fight! Thank you to all the women who made this happen.
— Vasudha Venugopal (@Vasudha156) February 17, 2021
Verdict empowers women, says Kavita Krishnan
Bravo #PriyaRamani. Your abuser @mjakbar hit you with a SLAPP suit but you stand vindicated. Verdict empowers women, saying we shd "understand that sometimes a victim may for years not speak up due to mental trauma, cannot be punished for raising her voice against sexual abuse." pic.twitter.com/6pQZbc7epP
— Kavita Krishnan (@kavita_krishnan) February 17, 2021
Appeal can be filed in case of grievance, says court
After telling Ramani that she is acquitted, the court informs that parties that an appeal can be filed in case of any grievance and ask Ramani to furnish a bail bond in case an appeal is preferred..
Delhi court acquits Priya Ramani
Noting that a woman has the right to put her grievance even after decades, the Delhi court acquitted Priya Ramani in the criminal defamation case. “You are acquitted from the present case”, the court told Ramani
Case of complainant is not proved. #PriyaRamani is acquitted: Court
— Bar and Bench (@barandbench) February 17, 2021
Woman has right to put her grievance even after decades, says court
Reading the order, the court said that there are social stigma attached with the allegations. Society must understand the impact of sexual abuse and harassment on its victims, read the court. Woman has right to put her grievance even after decades, it says.
Woman has right to put her grievance even after decades: Court #PriyaRamani
— Bar and Bench (@barandbench) February 17, 2021
Even a man of social status can be a sexual harasser, says court
Court observes that even a man of social status can be a sexual harasser. Sexual abuse takes away dignity and self confidence, it states and says “Right of reputation can’t be protected at the cost of right to dignity”.
Right of reputation can't be protected at the cost of right to dignity : Court #PriyaRamani #MJAkbar
— Bar and Bench (@barandbench) February 17, 2021
Court continues reading order
The court contunues reading order and says that it was contended that there was “no mechanism against sexual harassment.. that Ghazala Wahab did not file any complaint in view of Akbar’s status”.
It was contended that MJ Akbar filed a selective complaint: Court
— Bar and Bench (@barandbench) February 17, 2021
Contention on alternate defense acceptable, says court
“On the date of the tweet, MJ Akbar had not resigned from the post.. she (Ramani) says it was an honest mistake. Court accepts this”, the court said according to Bar&Bench. " It was contended that there were alternate defense. That is acceptable. The test is preponderance of probability," it further said
Court rejects defence on portion of Vogue article
The defense of accused regarding particular portion in Vogue article is rejected: Court#PriyaRamani
— Bar and Bench (@barandbench) February 17, 2021
Content defamatory, says court
The court notes the submissions made by Priya Ramani and reiterates the defense taken by Priya Ramani. It is further contended that the tweet on resignation was untrue, the court said. “On perusal and joint reading.., the court is of the view that content are defamatory,” Bar&Bench quotes the court as saying.
Court reads out order
Reading out the order, the court states that it is contended that MJ Akbar was defamed after the publication of tweets. It is also contended that the allegations were malicious, defamatory publication by design, according to Bar&Bench.
Court reassembles, order being read out
Both parties had refused settlement
On 24 November 2020, MJ Akbar and journalist Priya Ramani had refused any settlement between them in a criminal defamation complaint filed by him against her. Senior advocate Geeta Luthra, appearing for Akbar, had said that if Ramani was apologetic for her allegations, she would ask him to consider closing the complaint. Ramani’s counsel, Bhavook Chauhan, had however said that she stood by her statement and if Akbar wanted to withdraw the complaint, he may do so. Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) Ravindra Kumar Pandey had asked both the parties whether there was a chance of settlement between them in the matter. ACMM Pandey started hearing afresh the final arguments in the case since the previous judge hearing the matter was transferred to another court.
Geeta Luthra represents Akbar, Rebecca John is Ramani’s lawyer
During the trial, MJ Akbar was represented by senior advocate Geeta Luthra while senior advocate Rebecca John argued for Priya Ramani.
Akbar targeted Ramani to target other women, argued Rebecca John
During the arguments on 1 February, senior advocate Rebecca John, appearing for Priya Ramani, had argued that MJ Akbar should not get any relief as he chose to target Ramani to target other women. She said Akbar did not give any reason as to why he chose to file case against Ramani and not others. John had also refuted Akbar’s claim that Ramani’s tweet instigated and ignited the first flame when she accused him of sexual misconduct, saying that journalist Wahab tweeted on 6 October, 2018 and after that journalist Shunali Kullar Shroff made the allegations of sexual misconduct
Ghazala Wahab had denied making allegations against Akbar out of malice
During the course of hearing, journalist Ghazala Wahab, who had also made allegations against Akbar, had also given her statement . Wahab had denied a suggestion from Akbar’s lawyer Geeta Luthra which stated that she had maliciously concocted a fictional story about her sexual harassment to malign the reputation of Akbar. She further denied that she made these allegations against the former Union Minister to gain publicity. She had also said it’s wrong to suggest that she didn’t make any complaint against Akbar.
Judgment likely at 2.30 pm
The judge asked the parties to wait outside as there are some corrections in the judgement. It will take half an hour, Bar&Bench quotes the court as saying.
Akbar, Ramani enter courtroom
The court has assembled and MJ Akbar and Priya Ramani have entered the courtroom for the pronouncement of the verdict, reports Bar&Bench.
Allegations made in public good, Ramani had said
According to Bar&Bench, MJ Akbar not only denied the meeting at Oberoi hotel but also claimed that the Ramani’s were malicious and fabricated. Akbar had earlier told the court that Ramani had defamed him by calling him with adjectives such as ‘media’s biggest predator’ that harmed his reputation. Ramani has said that her allegations of sexual misconduct against Akbar were “her truth” and were made in public good.
Ramani had made sexual misconduct allegations in 2018
Journalist Priya Ramani had made allegation of sexual misconduct against MJ Akbar in the wake of #MeToo movement in 2018. Ramani had alleged that in December 1993,Akbar sexually harassed her when she was called to The Oberoi, Mumbai for a job interview.
Akbar had filed the criminal defamation complaint against Ramani in 15 October, 2018 for allegedly defaming him by accusing him of sexual misconduct over two decades ago. He resigned as Union minister on 17 October, 2018. He has denied all the allegations of sexual harassment against the women who came forward during #MeToo campaign against him.
Verdict was deferred on 10 February
Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Ravindra Kumar had on 1 February reserved the judgment for 10 February after Akbar and Ramani completed their arguments. However, on 10 February, the court deferred the judgment for 17 February, saying the verdict was not complete since both the parties filed their written submission late.
Verdict expected at 2 pm
After a trial of almost two years, a Delhi court is expected to pronounce its verdict today at 2 pm in former Union Minister MJ Akbar’s defamation case against journalist Priya Ramani for her allegations of sexual harassment against the former journalist.
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