A Delhi court passed an order on Tuesday, January 29 summoning journalist Priya Ramani in relation to the criminal defamation Complaint filed by BJP MP and former editor MJ Akbar.
Ramani wrote on twitter, “Time to tell our side of the story”.
https://twitter.com/priyaramani/status/1090185120336601088
Bar & Bench reported that she would appear in court on February 25.
On January 22, Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Samar Vishal had reserved the order after concluding the arguments from Akbar’s lawyer, who had contended that “prima facie” a case was made out against Ramani.
Akbar, who resigned as Union minister on October 17, had filed a private criminal defamation complaint against Ramani after she accused him of sexual harassment as the #MeToo campaign raged on in India.
Responding to Akbar’s filing of the defamation case, Ramani had said at the time, “I am ready to fight allegations of defamation laid against me, as truth and the absolute truth is my only defence.”
Over 20 women journalist have come out with accounts of alleged sexual harassment by him while he was working as a journalist. US-based editor pallavi Gogoi has accused Akbar of sexual assault.
Akbar’s move to sue Ramani has been condemned widely as an intimidation tactic.
Also Read: MJ Akbar Has Money And Power. All Priya Ramani Has Is You, Me And The Truth
(With PTI inputs)