Journalist Priya Ramani on Thursday told a court here that she had no 'mala fide' and 'extraneous' motive for making sexual harassment allegations former Union Minister MJ Akbar.

During her cross-examination in a defamation case filed by Akbar, Ramani said that it would be wrong to suggest that her allegations harmed the reputation of the complainant -- MJ Akbar.

The cross-examination of Ramani and her friend Nilofer was conducted before Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) Vishal Pahuja as the case was transferred to his court by ACMM Samar Vishal.

"It is wrong to suggest that my Tweets and publication had nothing to do with 'doing the right thing'. It is wrong to suggest that what I have done by publishing the Tweets was wrong, defamatory and malicious," she submitted before the court.

"It is wrong to suggest that my conduct as a journalist has been unethical as I had neither identified my sources nor attributed credits," she replied during the cross-examination. 
Earlier, Nilofer's statement was recorded before ACMM Samar Vishal during which she briefly narrated the alleged incident of Ramani's harassment.

"I was at Nariman Point (in Mumbai) when Priya requested me to meet one hour before the interview so that I can prepare her for the interview. She came at around 6 and met at Promenade. I asked her current affairs questions which I imagined that she could be asked during the interview. A few minutes before 7, we walked to Oberoi where I dropped her and came back," Nilofer said.

"Later that night, Priya called me on my landline. She sounded upset and distort. I asked her -- Why? She told me that the interview had not gone as we discussed. To begin, the interview did not happen in a coffee shop or restaurant but was straight up called to Akbar's room."

She continued: "Ramani described feeling extremely uncomfortable as he offered her an alcoholic drink and was himself drinking the same. She also described him singing old Hindi songs, which is highly unprofessional."

"At one point, she explained as to how Akbar patted a portion of the sofa and asked her to sit close to him. The details she described were so bizarre and inappropriate that I have a picture of it in my mind till this day," Nilofer narrated.

Senior advocate Geeta Luthra, appearing for MJ Akbar, objected to Nilofer's statement.

"She is like the third ghost in the room. She must have seen the colour of the Vodka," Luthra contended.

Another witness will be cross-examined on December 10, on the next date of hearing in a criminal defamation complaint filed by Akbar against Ramani for accusing him of sexual misconduct.&nbsp;

Journalist Priya Ramani on Thursday told a court here that she had no 'mala fide' and 'extraneous' motive for making sexual harassment allegations former Union Minister MJ Akbar.

Journalist Priya Ramani on Thursday told a court here that she had no 'mala fide' and 'extraneous' motive for making sexual harassment allegations former Union Minister MJ Akbar. During her cross-examination in a defamation case filed by Akbar, Ramani said that it would be wrong to suggest that her allegations harmed the reputation of the complainant -- MJ Akbar. The cross-examination of Ramani and her friend Nilofer was conducted before Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) Vishal Pahuja as the case was transferred to his court by ACMM Samar Vishal. "It is wrong to suggest that my Tweets and publication had nothing to do with 'doing the right thing'. It is wrong to suggest that what I have done by publishing the Tweets was wrong, defamatory and malicious," she submitted before the court. "It is wrong to suggest that my conduct as a journalist has been unethical as I had neither identified my sources nor attributed credits," she replied during the cross-examination. Earlier, Nilofer's statement was recorded before ACMM Samar Vishal during which she briefly narrated the alleged incident of Ramani's harassment. "I was at Nariman Point (in Mumbai) when Priya requested me to meet one hour before the interview so that I can prepare her for the interview. She came at around 6 and met at Promenade. I asked her current affairs questions which I imagined that she could be asked during the interview. A few minutes before 7, we walked to Oberoi where I dropped her and came back," Nilofer said. "Later that night, Priya called me on my landline. She sounded upset and distort. I asked her -- Why? She told me that the interview had not gone as we discussed. To begin, the interview did not happen in a coffee shop or restaurant but was straight up called to Akbar's room." She continued: "Ramani described feeling extremely uncomfortable as he offered her an alcoholic drink and was himself drinking the same. She also described him singing old Hindi songs, which is highly unprofessional." "At one point, she explained as to how Akbar patted a portion of the sofa and asked her to sit close to him. The details she described were so bizarre and inappropriate that I have a picture of it in my mind till this day," Nilofer narrated. Senior advocate Geeta Luthra, appearing for MJ Akbar, objected to Nilofer's statement. "She is like the third ghost in the room. She must have seen the colour of the Vodka," Luthra contended. Another witness will be cross-examined on December 10, on the next date of hearing in a criminal defamation complaint filed by Akbar against Ramani for accusing him of sexual misconduct.

No mala fide motive for making allegations against MJ Akbar: Priya Ramani

Journalist Priya Ramani, against whom former Union Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/mj-akbar-files-defamation-case-against-female-journalists-171575">MJ Akbar had filed a defamation case </a>for levelling sexual harassment allegations, on Saturday explained in a Delhi court about her article in the Vogue magazine.

Speaking about her article in Vogue magazine, Ramani said, "Yes, I wrote an article. Vogue`s features editor Shehnaz Siganporia called me and asked if I could write an article about the behaviour of male bosses in the context of the American MeToo movement and the allegations against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, which ranged from calling women to his hotel room and multiple allegations of sexual misconduct and rape."

She asserted while doing research for the article, she could not help not remembering her personal story of meeting her first male boss, Akbar.

"So I began the article with my MJ Akbar story. I never named him. The first four paragraphs of the article were a brief account of what happened at The Oberoi Hotel in 1993 (where she for a job interview with Akbar in the evening)," Ramani said.

"The portions in quotations referred to specific allegations against Harvey by many women. I mainly read four articles about the sexual harassment charges against Harvey and these portions were sourced from there. These articles appeared in Newyoker, the New York Times and Variety," she said explaining the article.

Watch: MJ Akbar Resigns as Union Minister

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Recounting her days with Asian Age, Ramani said she began her job with Asian Age, New Delhi, as a correspondent in January 1994 but she was transferred to Mumbai.&nbsp; 
"I urged the editor to transfer me to Mumbai as I could not find good accommodation in Delhi and I could save on rent if I live with my parents," she said.

After moving to Mumbai, I never met Mr Akbar alone in the Delhi office or Mumbai office again, Ramani said maintaining that "We (Ramani and Akbar) always interacted during edit meetings or when he visited Mumbai office."

Ramani was the first woman to accuse Akbar of sexual harassment during the #MeToo campaign.

Akbar, the former Minister of State for External Affairs, had filed a defamation case against the journalist for accusing him of sexual misconduct.

The allegations levelled against him forced him to resign from the Union Cabinet on 17 October 2018.&nbsp;

Journalist Priya Ramani, against whom former Union Minister MJ Akbar had filed a defamation case for levelling sexual harassment allegations, on Saturday explained in a Delhi court about her article in the Vogue magazine.

Journalist Priya Ramani, against whom former Union Minister MJ Akbar had filed a defamation case for levelling sexual harassment allegations, on Saturday explained in a Delhi court about her article in the Vogue magazine. Speaking about her article in Vogue magazine, Ramani said, "Yes, I wrote an article. Vogue`s features editor Shehnaz Siganporia called me and asked if I could write an article about the behaviour of male bosses in the context of the American MeToo movement and the allegations against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, which ranged from calling women to his hotel room and multiple allegations of sexual misconduct and rape." She asserted while doing research for the article, she could not help not remembering her personal story of meeting her first male boss, Akbar. "So I began the article with my MJ Akbar story. I never named him. The first four paragraphs of the article were a brief account of what happened at The Oberoi Hotel in 1993 (where she for a job interview with Akbar in the evening)," Ramani said. "The portions in quotations referred to specific allegations against Harvey by many women. I mainly read four articles about the sexual harassment charges against Harvey and these portions were sourced from there. These articles appeared in Newyoker, the New York Times and Variety," she said explaining the article. Watch: MJ Akbar Resigns as Union Minister × Recounting her days with Asian Age, Ramani said she began her job with Asian Age, New Delhi, as a correspondent in January 1994 but she was transferred to Mumbai. "I urged the editor to transfer me to Mumbai as I could not find good accommodation in Delhi and I could save on rent if I live with my parents," she said. After moving to Mumbai, I never met Mr Akbar alone in the Delhi office or Mumbai office again, Ramani said maintaining that "We (Ramani and Akbar) always interacted during edit meetings or when he visited Mumbai office." Ramani was the first woman to accuse Akbar of sexual harassment during the #MeToo campaign. Akbar, the former Minister of State for External Affairs, had filed a defamation case against the journalist for accusing him of sexual misconduct. The allegations levelled against him forced him to resign from the Union Cabinet on 17 October 2018.

MJ Akbar defamation case: Priya Ramani explains about her article in a magazine

Former Union Minister MJ Akbar on Saturday stated in a Delhi court that it is wrong to suggest that the articles and tweets of journalist Priya Ramani were meant to raise awareness regarding the issue of sexual harassment at the workplace.

Akbar, who appeared before Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Samar Vishal for his cross-examination in connection with a defamation case filed by him against Ramani, said in court, "It is wrong to suggest that the articles and tweets of Priya Ramani were meant to raise awareness of pervasiveness of the issue of sexual harassment at the workplace."

He added, "It is also wrong to suggest that Ramani's disclosures in her tweets and articles relating to him were true and made in good faith for public interest and for public good."

Claiming that he had no intention to target Ramani by filing a defamation case in the matter against her, he said, "It is wrong to say that present complaint I filed is false and without merit and that I have been selective in filing this complaint against Priya Ramani in order to target her."

"I worked with a journalist Pallavi Gogoi in 1994 at Asian Age. I was made aware of an article Mark-M written by Pallavi Gogoi in the Washington Post dated 01.11.2018. But I deny all those allegations. It is a matter of public record that on 02.11.2018, I released a statement to ANI in relation to the allegations made by Pallavi Gogoi. It is correct that my wife has also released a statement to ANI from portion A to A on 02.11.2018," Akbar said in response to a question put forth by Ramani's counsel, senior advocate Rebecca John.

The court has posted the matter for cross-examination of Akbar's witness for July 15 and 17.

Ramani had on April 10 pleaded not guilty before the court and claimed trial after the court framed defamation charges against her on a criminal complaint of Akbar.

In one of the past hearings, the ACMM had also granted a permanent exemption to Ramani from personal appearance in the hearings to follow.

In February, Ramani was granted bail on a personal bond of Rs 10,000. She was the first woman to accuse Akbar of sexual harassment during the #MeToo campaign.

Akbar had filed a defamation case against the journalist for accusing him of sexual misconduct. The allegations levelled against him forced him to resign from the Union Cabinet on October 17, 2018.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Former Union Minister MJ Akbar on Saturday stated in a Delhi court that it is wrong to suggest that the articles and tweets of journalist Priya Ramani were meant to raise awareness regarding the issue of sexual harassment at the workplace.

Former Union Minister MJ Akbar on Saturday stated in a Delhi court that it is wrong to suggest that the articles and tweets of journalist Priya Ramani were meant to raise awareness regarding the issue of sexual harassment at the workplace. Akbar, who appeared before Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Samar Vishal for his cross-examination in connection with a defamation case filed by him against Ramani, said in court, "It is wrong to suggest that the articles and tweets of Priya Ramani were meant to raise awareness of pervasiveness of the issue of sexual harassment at the workplace." He added, "It is also wrong to suggest that Ramani's disclosures in her tweets and articles relating to him were true and made in good faith for public interest and for public good." Claiming that he had no intention to target Ramani by filing a defamation case in the matter against her, he said, "It is wrong to say that present complaint I filed is false and without merit and that I have been selective in filing this complaint against Priya Ramani in order to target her." "I worked with a journalist Pallavi Gogoi in 1994 at Asian Age. I was made aware of an article Mark-M written by Pallavi Gogoi in the Washington Post dated 01.11.2018. But I deny all those allegations. It is a matter of public record that on 02.11.2018, I released a statement to ANI in relation to the allegations made by Pallavi Gogoi. It is correct that my wife has also released a statement to ANI from portion A to A on 02.11.2018," Akbar said in response to a question put forth by Ramani's counsel, senior advocate Rebecca John. The court has posted the matter for cross-examination of Akbar's witness for July 15 and 17. Ramani had on April 10 pleaded not guilty before the court and claimed trial after the court framed defamation charges against her on a criminal complaint of Akbar. In one of the past hearings, the ACMM had also granted a permanent exemption to Ramani from personal appearance in the hearings to follow. In February, Ramani was granted bail on a personal bond of Rs 10,000. She was the first woman to accuse Akbar of sexual harassment during the #MeToo campaign. Akbar had filed a defamation case against the journalist for accusing him of sexual misconduct. The allegations levelled against him forced him to resign from the Union Cabinet on October 17, 2018.

Wrong to suggest Priya Ramani's tweets were meant to raise awareness on sexual harassment: MJ Akbar

The Patiala House court on Saturday deferred the cross-examination of the former Union Minister MJ Akbar till May 20 in connection with a defamation case filed by him against journalist Priya Ramani after she complained of sexual misconduct.

MJ Akbar was partly cross-examined today by senior advocate Rebecca John appearing on the behalf of Priya Ramani.

The next hearing will be held before Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) Samar Vishal. Ramani and other senior journalists were also present during the hearing. Geeta Luthra appeared on behalf of MJ Akbar in court today.

During the course of hearing, MJ Akbar contended that the allegations made by Ramani "maligned" his reputation.

"I filed a criminal defamation complaint against a tweet that Priya Ramani issued last year in October. The tweet was based on an article that the accused had written in Vogue in 2017. The language used in her tweet was deeply offensive and a web of the fabricated lies."

He also asserted that he has a "clean history", to which, Rebecca asked him about the "ideological and political u-turns" Akbar took during his career as a politician."Were you not associated with Congress in 1989 and shifted your loyalty in 2014 when you joined BJP?" she asked.

She also counter-questioned him on the allegations of sexual misconduct levied by Ramani. He, however, negated the claim that he had invited her at Oberoi hotel in December 1993 on the pretext of a job interview.

Speaking to media persons after the hearing, senior advocate Rebecca John said, "It is not the story of Priya but countless other women who have been sexually assaulted by Akbar. We want to make it clear that women no longer accept sexual harassment at the workplace. I hope it comes out in the testimonies of various witnesses we will produce. In the end, we hope that the judge acquits her."

Ramani had on April 10 pleaded not guilty before the court and claimed trial after the court framed defamation charges against her on a criminal complaint of Akbar.

In the last hearing, ACMM Vishal had also granted a permanent exemption to Ramani from personal appearance in the hearings to follow.

In February, Ramani was granted bail on a personal bond of Rs 10,000. Ramani was the first woman to accuse Akbar of sexual harassment during the #MeToo campaign.

Akbar, the former Minister of State for External Affairs, had filed a defamation case against the journalist for accusing him of sexual misconduct.

The allegations levelled against him forced him to resign from the Union Cabinet on October 17, 2018.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Patiala House court on Saturday deferred the cross-examination of the former Union Minister MJ Akbar till May 20 in connection with a defamation case filed by him against journalist Priya Ramani after she complained of sexual misconduct.

The Patiala House court on Saturday deferred the cross-examination of the former Union Minister MJ Akbar till May 20 in connection with a defamation case filed by him against journalist Priya Ramani after she complained of sexual misconduct. MJ Akbar was partly cross-examined today by senior advocate Rebecca John appearing on the behalf of Priya Ramani. The next hearing will be held before Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) Samar Vishal. Ramani and other senior journalists were also present during the hearing. Geeta Luthra appeared on behalf of MJ Akbar in court today. During the course of hearing, MJ Akbar contended that the allegations made by Ramani "maligned" his reputation. "I filed a criminal defamation complaint against a tweet that Priya Ramani issued last year in October. The tweet was based on an article that the accused had written in Vogue in 2017. The language used in her tweet was deeply offensive and a web of the fabricated lies." He also asserted that he has a "clean history", to which, Rebecca asked him about the "ideological and political u-turns" Akbar took during his career as a politician."Were you not associated with Congress in 1989 and shifted your loyalty in 2014 when you joined BJP?" she asked. She also counter-questioned him on the allegations of sexual misconduct levied by Ramani. He, however, negated the claim that he had invited her at Oberoi hotel in December 1993 on the pretext of a job interview. Speaking to media persons after the hearing, senior advocate Rebecca John said, "It is not the story of Priya but countless other women who have been sexually assaulted by Akbar. We want to make it clear that women no longer accept sexual harassment at the workplace. I hope it comes out in the testimonies of various witnesses we will produce. In the end, we hope that the judge acquits her." Ramani had on April 10 pleaded not guilty before the court and claimed trial after the court framed defamation charges against her on a criminal complaint of Akbar. In the last hearing, ACMM Vishal had also granted a permanent exemption to Ramani from personal appearance in the hearings to follow. In February, Ramani was granted bail on a personal bond of Rs 10,000. Ramani was the first woman to accuse Akbar of sexual harassment during the #MeToo campaign. Akbar, the former Minister of State for External Affairs, had filed a defamation case against the journalist for accusing him of sexual misconduct. The allegations levelled against him forced him to resign from the Union Cabinet on October 17, 2018.

MJ Akbar defamation case: Court defers cross-examination till May 20

Delhi's Patiala House Court on Monday granted bail to journalist Priya Ramani in the defamation case filed by former Union Minister MJ Akbar over allegations of sexual harassment levelled against him. &nbsp;

According to reports, Ramani was granted bail on a personal bail bond of Rs 10,000. The court will hear the matter next on March 8.&nbsp;

Journalist Priya Ramani, the first woman to accuse Akbar of sexual harassment during the #MeToo movement, appeared before the Patiala House Court today.

After the court proceedings, Ramani spoke to media and said that the truth is in her defence.&nbsp;

"The next date when they will frame the charges against me is April 10. After that it will be my turn to tell my story. The truth is my defence," she said.&nbsp;

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Delhi's Patiala House Court grants bail to journalist Priya Ramani on a personal bail bond of Rs 10,000. Next date of hearing is 8 March. <a href="https://t.co/nOgqS9Bg6G">https://t.co/nOgqS9Bg6G</a>
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Ramani was summoned as an accused in the case filed by Akbar against her on January 29.&nbsp;

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Journalist Priya Ramani after being granted bail by Patiala House Court in connection with criminal defamation complaint by MJ Akbar: The next date when they will frame the charges against me is April 10. After that it will be my turn to tell my story. The truth is my defence. <a href="https://t.co/mxRadNVYua">pic.twitter.com/mxRadNVYua</a>
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On January 11, three more witnesses in the case recorded their statements in the court. In total, seven people (including Akbar) have recorded their statements in the criminal defamation complaint, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Akbar resigned as the Minister of State for External Affairs in October 2018 after Ramani and other women accused him of sexual harassment.

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

Delhi's Patiala House Court on Monday granted bail to journalist Priya Ramani in the defamation case filed by former Union Minister MJ Akbar over allegations of sexual harassment levelled against him.

Delhi's Patiala House Court on Monday granted bail to journalist Priya Ramani in the defamation case filed by former Union Minister MJ Akbar over allegations of sexual harassment levelled against him. According to reports, Ramani was granted bail on a personal bail bond of Rs 10,000. The court will hear the matter next on March 8. Journalist Priya Ramani, the first woman to accuse Akbar of sexual harassment during the #MeToo movement, appeared before the Patiala House Court today. After the court proceedings, Ramani spoke to media and said that the truth is in her defence. "The next date when they will frame the charges against me is April 10. After that it will be my turn to tell my story. The truth is my defence," she said. Delhi's Patiala House Court grants bail to journalist Priya Ramani on a personal bail bond of Rs 10,000. Next date of hearing is 8 March. https://t.co/nOgqS9Bg6G — ANI (@ANI) February 25, 2019 × Ramani was summoned as an accused in the case filed by Akbar against her on January 29. Journalist Priya Ramani after being granted bail by Patiala House Court in connection with criminal defamation complaint by MJ Akbar: The next date when they will frame the charges against me is April 10. After that it will be my turn to tell my story. The truth is my defence. pic.twitter.com/mxRadNVYua — ANI (@ANI) February 25, 2019 × On January 11, three more witnesses in the case recorded their statements in the court. In total, seven people (including Akbar) have recorded their statements in the criminal defamation complaint, news agency ANI reported. Akbar resigned as the Minister of State for External Affairs in October 2018 after Ramani and other women accused him of sexual harassment. (With inputs from ANI)

MJ Akbar defamation case: Delhi court grants bail to accused journalist Priya Ramani, next hearing on March 8

A Delhi court on Monday began hearing the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mj-akbars-defamation-case-delhi-court-summons-priya-ramani-193673">defamation case</a> filed by former Union Minister MJ Akbar over allegations of sexual harassment levelled against him.&nbsp;

Journalist Priya Ramani, the first woman to accuse Akbar of sexual harassment during the #MeToo movement, appeared before the Patiala House Court today.

Ramani was summoned as an accused in the case filed by Akbar against her on January 29.&nbsp;

On January 11, three more witnesses in the case recorded their statements in the court. In total, seven people (including Akbar) have recorded their statements in the criminal defamation complaint, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Akbar resigned as the Minister of State for External Affairs in October 2018 after Ramani and other women accused him of sexual harassment.

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

A Delhi court on Monday began hearing the defamation case filed by former Union Minister MJ Akbar over allegations of sexual harassment levelled against him. Journalist Priya Ramani, the first woman to accuse Akbar of sexual harassment during the #MeToo movement, appeared before the Patiala House Court today.

A Delhi court on Monday began hearing the defamation case filed by former Union Minister MJ Akbar over allegations of sexual harassment levelled against him. Journalist Priya Ramani, the first woman to accuse Akbar of sexual harassment during the #MeToo movement, appeared before the Patiala House Court today. Ramani was summoned as an accused in the case filed by Akbar against her on January 29. On January 11, three more witnesses in the case recorded their statements in the court. In total, seven people (including Akbar) have recorded their statements in the criminal defamation complaint, news agency ANI reported. Akbar resigned as the Minister of State for External Affairs in October 2018 after Ramani and other women accused him of sexual harassment. (With inputs from ANI)

MJ Akbar defamation: Delhi Court hears case against journalist Priya Ramani

A Delhi court on Tuesday issued summon to Priya Ramani as an accused in the defamation case filed by former junior external affairs minister MJ Akbar against her.

Ramani, who was the first woman to accuse Akbar of sexual harassment during the #MeToo movement, has to appear before the Patiala House Court on the next date of hearing, slated on February 25.

On January 11, three more witnesses in the case recorded their statements in the court. In total, seven people (including Akbar) have recorded their statements in the criminal defamation complaint.

All the witnesses who concluded their statements in favour of Akbar said that his impeccable reputation built over the years was tarnished in their eyes and caused grave damage to his reputation by tweets and publications.

All these witnesses have been associated with Akbar for many years. Akbar resigned as the Minister of State for External Affairs in October last year after Ramani and other women accused him of sexual harassment.

A Delhi court on Tuesday issued summon to Priya Ramani as an accused in the defamation case filed by former junior external affairs minister MJ Akbar against her.

A Delhi court on Tuesday issued summon to Priya Ramani as an accused in the defamation case filed by former junior external affairs minister MJ Akbar against her. Ramani, who was the first woman to accuse Akbar of sexual harassment during the #MeToo movement, has to appear before the Patiala House Court on the next date of hearing, slated on February 25. On January 11, three more witnesses in the case recorded their statements in the court. In total, seven people (including Akbar) have recorded their statements in the criminal defamation complaint. All the witnesses who concluded their statements in favour of Akbar said that his impeccable reputation built over the years was tarnished in their eyes and caused grave damage to his reputation by tweets and publications. All these witnesses have been associated with Akbar for many years. Akbar resigned as the Minister of State for External Affairs in October last year after Ramani and other women accused him of sexual harassment.

MJ Akbar's defamation case: Delhi court summons Priya Ramani

A Delhi court Tuesday reserved for January 29 its order on whether to summon journalist Priya Ramani as an accused in a defamation case filed by former Union minister M J Akbar after she levelled allegations of sexual misconduct against him.

Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Samar Vishal reserved the order after listening to arguments from Akbar's lawyer, who said a prima facie case was made out against Ramani.

Akbar, who resigned as Union minister on October 17 last year, filed a private criminal defamation complaint against Ramani after his name cropped up on social media when he was in Nigeria as the #MeToo campaign raged on in India.

Ramani accused Akbar of sexual misconduct around 20 years ago, which was denied by him.

The court had on January 11 recorded the statements of three more witnesses in support of the case filed by Akbar.

The three witnesses -- Tapan Chaki, Manjar Ali and Rachna Grover -- who were associated with Akbar deposed before the court, saying they were extremely "distressed and dismayed" as grave damage has been caused to his reputation due to the allegations.

It had earlier recorded the statements of Akbar and Joyeeta Basu, the editor of Sunday Guardian, in the matter.

Akbar had told the court in his statement that an "immediate damage" has been caused to him due to the "scurrilous", concocted and false allegations of sexual misconduct.

Multiple women have come out with accounts of alleged sexual harassment by him while he was working as a journalist.

He had termed the allegations "false, fabricated and deeply distressing" and said he was taking appropriate legal action against them.

Expressing her readiness to fight the defamation allegations, Ramani had said, "Rather than engage with the serious allegations that many women have made against him, he seeks to silence them through intimidation and harassment."&nbsp;

A Delhi court Tuesday reserved for January 29 its order on whether to summon journalist Priya Ramani as an accused in a defamation case filed by former Union minister M J Akbar after she levelled allegations of sexual misconduct against him.

A Delhi court Tuesday reserved for January 29 its order on whether to summon journalist Priya Ramani as an accused in a defamation case filed by former Union minister M J Akbar after she levelled allegations of sexual misconduct against him. Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Samar Vishal reserved the order after listening to arguments from Akbar's lawyer, who said a prima facie case was made out against Ramani. Akbar, who resigned as Union minister on October 17 last year, filed a private criminal defamation complaint against Ramani after his name cropped up on social media when he was in Nigeria as the #MeToo campaign raged on in India. Ramani accused Akbar of sexual misconduct around 20 years ago, which was denied by him. The court had on January 11 recorded the statements of three more witnesses in support of the case filed by Akbar. The three witnesses -- Tapan Chaki, Manjar Ali and Rachna Grover -- who were associated with Akbar deposed before the court, saying they were extremely "distressed and dismayed" as grave damage has been caused to his reputation due to the allegations. It had earlier recorded the statements of Akbar and Joyeeta Basu, the editor of Sunday Guardian, in the matter. Akbar had told the court in his statement that an "immediate damage" has been caused to him due to the "scurrilous", concocted and false allegations of sexual misconduct. Multiple women have come out with accounts of alleged sexual harassment by him while he was working as a journalist. He had termed the allegations "false, fabricated and deeply distressing" and said he was taking appropriate legal action against them. Expressing her readiness to fight the defamation allegations, Ramani had said, "Rather than engage with the serious allegations that many women have made against him, he seeks to silence them through intimidation and harassment."

Court reserves order on summoning scribe as accused in defamation case filed by MJ Akbar

The Editors Guild of India Thursday asked M J Akbar to withdraw the criminal defamation case he filed against journalist Priya Ramani, as the top editors' body came out in support of the women journalists who have accused him of sexual harassment.

The Guild also offered legal support to women journalists who have levelled the allegations against Akbar in case he does not withdraw the present case or files such cases against other women too.

The Guild's support for the women came a day after Akbar stepped down as the Minister of State for External Affairs in the face of mounting pressure following allegations of sexual harassment against him by several women journalists.

In a statement, the Guild said it salutes the courage shown by several women journalists in bringing to light instances of how they were sexually harassed.

"The resignation of Mr M. J Akbar from Union council of ministers is a result of these women journalists' courage to fight for a high principle: gender equality in the newsroom.

"We hope that Mr Akbar will also display the grace to withdraw the criminal defamation case he has filed against one of these complainants," it said.

While 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 Guild said, adding that, "more so for Mr Akbar who happens to be a former president of the Guild".

"But if he doesn't, or in case he files such cases against other women too, the Guild offers its support to them. If any of them were to need legal advice or assistance, the Guild will do the best it can to help and also appeal to eminent lawyers to represent them pro bono," the statement said.

The Guild's statement comes on a day a Delhi court commenced hearing on Akbar's criminal defamation complaint against Ramani, who has accused him of sexual misconduct around 20 years ago.

Akbar on Monday had filed the complaint against Ramani alleging she "wilfully" and "maliciously" made imputations against him with the ulterior motive of maligning his reputation and political standing.

The defamation case filed two days ago led more women and some men too to come forward in their defence of Ramani and others. On Tuesday night, 20 journalists, who had worked at The Asian Age during Akbar's tenure, issued a joint statement against him.

The Editors Guild of India Thursday asked M J Akbar to withdraw the criminal defamation case he filed against journalist Priya Ramani, as the top editors' body came out in support of the women journalists who have accused him of sexual harassment.

The Editors Guild of India Thursday asked M J Akbar to withdraw the criminal defamation case he filed against journalist Priya Ramani, as the top editors' body came out in support of the women journalists who have accused him of sexual harassment. The Guild also offered legal support to women journalists who have levelled the allegations against Akbar in case he does not withdraw the present case or files such cases against other women too. The Guild's support for the women came a day after Akbar stepped down as the Minister of State for External Affairs in the face of mounting pressure following allegations of sexual harassment against him by several women journalists. In a statement, the Guild said it salutes the courage shown by several women journalists in bringing to light instances of how they were sexually harassed. "The resignation of Mr M. J Akbar from Union council of ministers is a result of these women journalists' courage to fight for a high principle: gender equality in the newsroom. "We hope that Mr Akbar will also display the grace to withdraw the criminal defamation case he has filed against one of these complainants," it said. While 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 Guild said, adding that, "more so for Mr Akbar who happens to be a former president of the Guild". "But if he doesn't, or in case he files such cases against other women too, the Guild offers its support to them. If any of them were to need legal advice or assistance, the Guild will do the best it can to help and also appeal to eminent lawyers to represent them pro bono," the statement said. The Guild's statement comes on a day a Delhi court commenced hearing on Akbar's criminal defamation complaint against Ramani, who has accused him of sexual misconduct around 20 years ago. Akbar on Monday had filed the complaint against Ramani alleging she "wilfully" and "maliciously" made imputations against him with the ulterior motive of maligning his reputation and political standing. The defamation case filed two days ago led more women and some men too to come forward in their defence of Ramani and others. On Tuesday night, 20 journalists, who had worked at The Asian Age during Akbar's tenure, issued a joint statement against him.

Editors Guild asks M J Akbar to withdraw defamation case

More trouble is in store for MJ Akbar as&nbsp;twenty women journalists came forward on Tuesday demanding the hearing of their testimonies against him.

The women journalists who were associated with the former junior external affairs minister during his career as a journalist came forward after MJ Akbar filed a defamation case against Priya Ramani.

The case against Priya Ramani will be heard in the Delhi Patiala House court on Thursday.

Ramani was the first woman to come out with her account of alleged sexual harassment by the former minister.

Following her disclosure,&nbsp;more women came out with their stories stating&nbsp;incidents where they were allegedly assaulted by Akbar.

The complaints by the women show a common pattern to the incidents.

The complainant state that Akbar would set up job interviews with aspiring women journalists in hotel rooms and would repeatedly call them to his office cabin for meaningless conversation.&nbsp;

He would also send them out of the workplace and meet them at a hotel at odd hours. &nbsp;&nbsp;

A woman accused him claiming that he would open his hotel room door to her wearing only his underwear. The woman had been in her early 20's at the time. She had thought she was going to a job interview.&nbsp;

Last Friday, the US-based CNN journalist Majlie de Puy Kamp accused Akbar of molesting her when she was an 18-year-old intern at the Asian Age in Delhi. On her last day of work, she said, she had gone to say goodbye to him, and he had forcibly kissed her.&nbsp;

She said Akbar had inserted his tongue into her mouth.&nbsp;

She added that her parents, both of whom were foreign correspondents, had been friends with Akbar, which is how she had got her internship.&nbsp;

The incident came to limelight as several Indian women from various fields had been disclosing on Twitter about the sexual harassment and sexual assault that they have faced.&nbsp;

Allegations have been made against many prominent men from film and music fraternity. 
&nbsp;

More trouble is in store for MJ Akbar as twenty women journalists came forward on Tuesday demanding the hearing of their testimonies against him. The women journalists who were associated with the former junior external affairs minister during his career as a journalist came forward after MJ Akbar filed a defamation case against Priya Ramani.

More trouble is in store for MJ Akbar as twenty women journalists came forward on Tuesday demanding the hearing of their testimonies against him. The women journalists who were associated with the former junior external affairs minister during his career as a journalist came forward after MJ Akbar filed a defamation case against Priya Ramani. The case against Priya Ramani will be heard in the Delhi Patiala House court on Thursday. Ramani was the first woman to come out with her account of alleged sexual harassment by the former minister. Following her disclosure, more women came out with their stories stating incidents where they were allegedly assaulted by Akbar. The complaints by the women show a common pattern to the incidents. The complainant state that Akbar would set up job interviews with aspiring women journalists in hotel rooms and would repeatedly call them to his office cabin for meaningless conversation. He would also send them out of the workplace and meet them at a hotel at odd hours. A woman accused him claiming that he would open his hotel room door to her wearing only his underwear. The woman had been in her early 20's at the time. She had thought she was going to a job interview. Last Friday, the US-based CNN journalist Majlie de Puy Kamp accused Akbar of molesting her when she was an 18-year-old intern at the Asian Age in Delhi. On her last day of work, she said, she had gone to say goodbye to him, and he had forcibly kissed her. She said Akbar had inserted his tongue into her mouth. She added that her parents, both of whom were foreign correspondents, had been friends with Akbar, which is how she had got her internship. The incident came to limelight as several Indian women from various fields had been disclosing on Twitter about the sexual harassment and sexual assault that they have faced. Allegations have been made against many prominent men from film and music fraternity.

#MeToo: 20 women demand hearing of their testimonies against MJ Akbar

"Truth and the absolute truth is my only defence," the journalist Priya Ramani has said after news broke Monday afternoon that Union Minister MJ Akbar had <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/metoo-union-minister-mj-akbar-files-defamation-case-against-journalist-priya-ramani-171563">sued her for criminal defamation</a>.&nbsp;

Ramani put out her statement on Twitter.&nbsp;

"Those who have spoken up against Mr Akbar have done so at great risk to their personal and professional lives," she wrote.&nbsp;

"This is why I wish to register my strong protest against Mr Akbar's most recent statement, which pays no heed to the trauma and fear of survivors or the courage required to speak truth to power," she added.&nbsp;

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My statement <a href="https://t.co/1W7M2lDqPN">pic.twitter.com/1W7M2lDqPN</a>
— Priya Ramani (@priyaramani) <a href="https://twitter.com/priyaramani/status/1051817717467045890?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Over 10 women journalists have accused Akbar, minister of state for external affairs, of sexual assault and harassment from when he was a newspaper editor.&nbsp;

Akbar, who returned to India Sunday morning from Africa, had been expected to resign. But he instead put out a statement (see tweet below) denying the allegations and alleging a political conspiracy "a few months before a general election".&nbsp;

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<a href="https://t.co/z4IL6kf7Q0">pic.twitter.com/z4IL6kf7Q0</a>
— M.J. Akbar (@mjakbar) <a href="https://twitter.com/mjakbar/status/1051452381983068161?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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He added in his statement that Ramani had begun "this campaign a year ago with a magazine article" (see tweet below) and that he would be deciding a "future course of legal action".&nbsp;

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I began this piece with my MJ Akbar story. Never named him because he didn’t “do” anything. Lots of women have worse stories about this predator—maybe they’ll share. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ulti?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ulti</a> <a href="https://t.co/5jVU5WHHo7">https://t.co/5jVU5WHHo7</a>
— Priya Ramani (@priyaramani) <a href="https://twitter.com/priyaramani/status/1049279608263245824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"I am deeply disappointed that a union minister should dismiss the detailed allegations of several women as a political conspiracy," Ramani wrote on Monday.&nbsp;

"By instituting a case of criminal defamation against me, Mr Akbar has made his stand clear: rather than engage with the serious allegations that many women have made against him, he seeks to silence them through intimidation and harassment," she said. &nbsp;

"Needless to say, I am ready to fight allegations of defamation against me, as truth and the absolute truth is my only defence," she added. &nbsp;

"Truth and the absolute truth is my only defence," the journalist Priya Ramani has said after news broke Monday afternoon that Union Minister MJ Akbar had sued her for criminal defamation.

"Truth and the absolute truth is my only defence," the journalist Priya Ramani has said after news broke Monday afternoon that Union Minister MJ Akbar had sued her for criminal defamation. Ramani put out her statement on Twitter. "Those who have spoken up against Mr Akbar have done so at great risk to their personal and professional lives," she wrote. "This is why I wish to register my strong protest against Mr Akbar's most recent statement, which pays no heed to the trauma and fear of survivors or the courage required to speak truth to power," she added. My statement pic.twitter.com/1W7M2lDqPN — Priya Ramani (@priyaramani) October 15, 2018 × Over 10 women journalists have accused Akbar, minister of state for external affairs, of sexual assault and harassment from when he was a newspaper editor. Akbar, who returned to India Sunday morning from Africa, had been expected to resign. But he instead put out a statement (see tweet below) denying the allegations and alleging a political conspiracy "a few months before a general election". pic.twitter.com/z4IL6kf7Q0 — M.J. Akbar (@mjakbar) October 14, 2018 × He added in his statement that Ramani had begun "this campaign a year ago with a magazine article" (see tweet below) and that he would be deciding a "future course of legal action". I began this piece with my MJ Akbar story. Never named him because he didn’t “do” anything. Lots of women have worse stories about this predator—maybe they’ll share. #ulti https://t.co/5jVU5WHHo7 — Priya Ramani (@priyaramani) October 8, 2018 × "I am deeply disappointed that a union minister should dismiss the detailed allegations of several women as a political conspiracy," Ramani wrote on Monday. "By instituting a case of criminal defamation against me, Mr Akbar has made his stand clear: rather than engage with the serious allegations that many women have made against him, he seeks to silence them through intimidation and harassment," she said. "Needless to say, I am ready to fight allegations of defamation against me, as truth and the absolute truth is my only defence," she added.

The absolute truth is my only defence: Priya Ramani after MJ Akbar files criminal defamation case against her

WION Dispatch: MJ Akbar files defamation case against Priya Ramani

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/metoo-union-minister-mj-akbar-files-defamation-case-against-journalist-priya-ramani-171563">#MeToo: Union Minister MJ Akbar files </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/metoo-union-minister-mj-akbar-files-defamation-case-against-journalist-priya-ramani-171563">criminal</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/metoo-union-minister-mj-akbar-files-defamation-case-against-journalist-priya-ramani-171563"> defamation case against journalist Priya Ramani</a>

Union Minister MJ Akbar has filed a criminal defamation case against the journalist Priya Ramani.&nbsp;

Over 10 women have accused Akbar of sexual assault and harassment from when he was a newspaper editor.&nbsp;

But Akbar has zeroed in on Priya Ramani because he says she began "this campaign" against him a year ago.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/on-metoo-allegations-bjp-says-akbar-has-given-his-version-it-is-not-about-agreeing-or-disagreeing-with-him-171593">'Akbar has given his version,' BJP says on #MeToo allegations</a>

In its first comments on the sexual harassment allegations against Union Minister MJ Akbar, the BJP said Monday he has given his version on the row and that it is not about whether the party agrees or disagrees with him.

Bharatiya Janata Party spokesperson GV L Narasimha Rao was asked at a press conference whether the ruling party agrees with Akbar on his statement on the allegations levelled against him by several women.

"It is not about agreeing or disagreeing. He has presented his version," Rao said.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/alok-nath-files-civil-defamation-against-vinta-nanda-seeks-apology-re-1-compensation-171565">#MeToo: Alok Nath files civil defamation case against Vinta Nanda, demands Re 1</a>

The actor Alok Nath filed a civil defamation case on Monday against the writer-producer Vinta Nanda. Nanda had accused Alok Nath of having raped her 19 years ago.

Nath, in his complaint, asked for a written apology and Re 1 compensation.&nbsp;

Nath, in a Facebook post, had said said she had been raped — more than once — by an "actor par excellence who is known as the most #Sanskaari (Cultured) person in the film and television industry".&nbsp;

When she was asked a day later if it was Alok Nath, she said yes.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/amid-rising-fuel-prices-pm-modi-meets-experts-from-oil-gas-sectors-171578">PM Modi tells oil-producing countries that high prices are hurting global growth</a>

Amid the rising fuel price in the country, Prime Minister Modi on Monday held a meeting with CEOs and experts from the Oil and Gas sector from both India and abroad.

The meeting which was held in Delhi to attract private investment and raise domestic and gas oil production was attended by Union Ministers Arun Jaitley and Dharmendra Pradhan, Vice-Chairman NITI Aayog Dr. Rajiv Kumar, Mukesh Ambani among others.

PM Modi in the meeting highlighted the economic challenges including serious resource crunch that the consuming countries face due to rising crude oil prices.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/metoo-chetan-bhagat-responds-to-fake-charges-against-him-171564">#MeToo: Chetan Bhagat responds to charges by author Ira Trivedi, asks 'who wanted to kiss whom?'</a>

Author Chetan Bhagat, in a series of tweets, has responded to the `fake` sexual assault allegations by author Ira Trivedi.

To defend himself, the 44-year-old shared a screenshot of a `self-explanatory` mail which apparently Trivedi sent to him in 2013.

"So who wanted to kiss whom?", wrote Bhagat, adding, "@iratrivedi`s self-explanatory email from 2013 to me, especially last line, easily shows her claims from 2010 are false, and she knows this too. This mental harassment of me and my family has to stop. Please don't harm a movement with #fakecharges #harassed"`

#MeToo: Union Minister MJ Akbar files criminal defamation case against journalist Priya Ramani Union Minister MJ Akbar has filed a criminal defamation case against the journalist Priya Ramani.

#MeToo: Union Minister MJ Akbar files criminal defamation case against journalist Priya Ramani Union Minister MJ Akbar has filed a criminal defamation case against the journalist Priya Ramani. Over 10 women have accused Akbar of sexual assault and harassment from when he was a newspaper editor. But Akbar has zeroed in on Priya Ramani because he says she began "this campaign" against him a year ago. 'Akbar has given his version,' BJP says on #MeToo allegations In its first comments on the sexual harassment allegations against Union Minister MJ Akbar, the BJP said Monday he has given his version on the row and that it is not about whether the party agrees or disagrees with him. Bharatiya Janata Party spokesperson GV L Narasimha Rao was asked at a press conference whether the ruling party agrees with Akbar on his statement on the allegations levelled against him by several women. "It is not about agreeing or disagreeing. He has presented his version," Rao said. #MeToo: Alok Nath files civil defamation case against Vinta Nanda, demands Re 1 The actor Alok Nath filed a civil defamation case on Monday against the writer-producer Vinta Nanda. Nanda had accused Alok Nath of having raped her 19 years ago. Nath, in his complaint, asked for a written apology and Re 1 compensation. Nath, in a Facebook post, had said said she had been raped — more than once — by an "actor par excellence who is known as the most #Sanskaari (Cultured) person in the film and television industry". When she was asked a day later if it was Alok Nath, she said yes. PM Modi tells oil-producing countries that high prices are hurting global growth Amid the rising fuel price in the country, Prime Minister Modi on Monday held a meeting with CEOs and experts from the Oil and Gas sector from both India and abroad. The meeting which was held in Delhi to attract private investment and raise domestic and gas oil production was attended by Union Ministers Arun Jaitley and Dharmendra Pradhan, Vice-Chairman NITI Aayog Dr. Rajiv Kumar, Mukesh Ambani among others. PM Modi in the meeting highlighted the economic challenges including serious resource crunch that the consuming countries face due to rising crude oil prices. #MeToo: Chetan Bhagat responds to charges by author Ira Trivedi, asks 'who wanted to kiss whom?' Author Chetan Bhagat, in a series of tweets, has responded to the `fake` sexual assault allegations by author Ira Trivedi. To defend himself, the 44-year-old shared a screenshot of a `self-explanatory` mail which apparently Trivedi sent to him in 2013. "So who wanted to kiss whom?", wrote Bhagat, adding, "@iratrivedi`s self-explanatory email from 2013 to me, especially last line, easily shows her claims from 2010 are false, and she knows this too. This mental harassment of me and my family has to stop. Please don't harm a movement with #fakecharges #harassed"`

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