Thread by @barandbench

Hearing in MJ Akbar's criminal defamation case against Priya Ramani begins before new Judge.

After the transfer of Judge Vishal Pahuja, the case is before Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Ravindra Kumar Pandey.

#MeToo #PriyaRamani #MJAkbar #Metooindia

@mjakbar

This case is ay final argument and notice was framed.. the notice has some typographical error. It is signed now? : Judge

Yes, it is signed: Court master

Did arguments commence in this case? : Judhe

Yes, both sides had. We were to give written submissions: Senior Adv Geeta Luthra for MJ Akbar

Lengthy arguments happened in this case. Parties will have to argue again: Judge

We can do it on a day to day basis also : Judge

I can begin today: Luthra

You can make brief submissions today and then we will take it up from Monday: Judge

Senior Advocate Geeta Luthra explains the case to the Judge.

Priya Ramani made allegations against MJ Akbar .. derogatory allegations were made in the article: Luthra

Article was published earlier. After a year, she said that the allegations in the article pertained to MJ Akbar: Luthra

My reputation was tarnished.. my reputation was lowered. She correlated the article and tweets: Luthra

What is Vogue? Is it a magazine?: Judge

Yes: Luthra

There was no research .. the article is defamatory : Luthra.

Submissions are taking place in Hindi.

Luthra lists the witnesses who deposed in favour of MJ Akbar's stellar reputation and how it was tarnished by Ramani's article.

Luthra explains Ramani's defence that the entire article was not on Akbar and that several others had made allegations of sexual harrassment.

It stll doesn't prove that you took due care and caution. There is no foundation and truth: Luthra

A journalist has more responsibility on her. Reputation is more precious than life: Luthra

You are coming after 25 years. You are a journalist. How could you not say anything for so long : Luthra

The case is compoundable. Is there any scope of comprise? : Judge

Facts of the case are peculiar. I don't think it can be compounded : Adv Bhavook Chauhan for Priya Ramani.

I will have to check with the briefing counsel : Luthra

If there is any possibility, the senior counsel may talk to each other. Inform the court if there is any possibility: Judge

Court says Monday is physical hearing day.

We had requested for video conferencing hearing. But we are available on 23: Luthra

Court says the matter can be taken up on a day to day basis.

I only have 7 matters. 3 are at final hearing stage. I will give at least two days in a week to this case : Judge

Hearing adjourned till November 24.

Is there any scope of settlement?: New Judge hearing MJ Akbar defamation case against Priya Ramani asks
@mjakbar #PriyaRamani
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