The Delhi High Court on Friday transferred former Union minister M J Akbar’s appeal challenging the acquittal of journalist Priya Ramani in his criminal defamation case to its special MP/MLA bench.
Justice Manoj Kumar Ohri, while hearing the matter, said that since Akbar is a former Member of Parliament, the case falls within the jurisdiction of the bench designated to handle matters relating to sitting and former lawmakers. The matter will now be heard by Justice Ravinder Dudeja on October 15.
Akbar had filed a criminal defamation complaint against Ramani in October 2018 after she accused him of sexual misconduct during the “#MeToo” movement. He resigned as a Union minister shortly thereafter.
On February 17, 2021, a trial court acquitted Ramani, holding that women have the right to voice grievances about sexual harassment on any platform, even after decades. The court also made strong observations on the dignity and respect of women, remarking that it was “shameful” that such crimes continue to occur in a country that reveres women in its epics.
Akbar challenged the trial court’s decision, contending that it was based on “surmises and conjecture” and treated as though it were a case of sexual harassment rather than defamation. His appeal further argued that the trial court erred in stating that he did not have a stellar reputation and ignored established principles of criminal jurisprudence.
The Delhi High Court had admitted his appeal in January 2022 and issued notice to Ramani. Akbar is being represented by law firm Karanjawala & Co.
With the transfer to the MP/MLA bench, the matter will now proceed before Justice Dudeja, who will take it up on October 15 for further hearing.
