Thread by @barandbench

A Delhi Court will today give its verdict in the defamation case filed by MJ Akbar against #Metoo whistleblower, Priya Ramani.

Order will be pronounced by Judge Ravindra Kumar Pandey in the physical presence of parties at 2pm.

@mjakbar

#MJAkbar #PriyaRamani

Priya Ramani alleged that in December 1993, #MJAkbar sexually harassed her when she was called to The Oberoi, Mumbai for a job interview.

#PriyaRamani @mjakbar

During the two years of this trial, #PriyaRamani pleaded:

Truth,
Good Faith,
Public Interest,
Public Good

as her defense

#MeToo @IndiaMeToo #MJAkbar @mjakbar

#MJAkbar not only DENIED the Oberoi meeting but claimed that the allegations by #PriyaRamani were malicious and fabricated.

#MeToo @IndiaMeToo @mjakbar

Senior Advocate Geeta Luthra (pictured left) argued for MJ Akbar and was briefed by Karanjawala & Co

Senior Advocate Rebecca John (pictured right) argued for Priya Ramani.

#MeToo  @IndiaMeToo #PriyaRamani #MJAkbar @mjakbar

Order was reserved in this case on February 1 and was to be pronounced on February 10.

However, Pronouncement of verdict was deferred till February 17 (today) after the judge received written submissions late

Read More: bit.ly/3pB0rkl
@mjakbar #MJAkbar #PriyaRamani

Aditi Singh @aditi2118 will be reporting from Rouse Avenue Court in New Delhi

Follow the thread for live updates from 2pm

#MeToo #MJAkbar @mjakbar #priyaramani

MJ Akbar and Priya Ramani enter the courtroom for pronouncement of verdict.

#MJAkbar #PriyaRamani #MeToo

@mjakbar

Court assembles.

#PriyaRamani #MJAkbar #MeToo

Please wait outside. There are some corrections in the judgement. It will take half an hour : Court

#MJAkbar #PriyaRamani #Metoo

Court reassembles.

#MJAkbar #PriyaRamani #MeToo

The court begins reading the order.

#MeToo #MJAkbar #PriyaRamani

The publication of tweets and it is contended that after publication the same were the circulated: Court

Contended that MJ Akbar was defamed: Court

Contended that the allegations were malicious, defamatory publication by design .. : Court

Further contended that publication were related to the incident that occurred two decades back : Court

Contended That there was no complaint.. : Court

The content is not disputed by Priya Ramani: Court

Court records that MJ Akbar is a man of reputation.

Court notes the submissions made by Priya Ramani.

Court reiterates the defense taken by Priya Ramani.

Accused contended that MJ Akbar is not man of stellar reputation: Court

It is further contended that the tweet on resignation was untrue: Court

On perusal and joint reading.., the court is of the view that content are defamatory: Court

The defense of accused regarding particular portion in Vogue article is rejected: Court

#PriyaRamani

On the date of the tweet, MJ Akbar had not resigned from the post.. she says it was an honest mistake. Court accepts this : Court

It was contended that there were alternate defense. That is acceptable. The test is preponderance of probability: Court

It was argued that the accused linked Vogue article with her tweets: Court

Accused put her defense are examining herself and two witness: Court

Court continues to read the order, records that Priya Ramani's disclosure was in the interest of anti sexual harassment at workplace: Court

Contended that there was no mechanism against sexual harassment.. that Ghazala Wahab did not file any complaint in view of Akbar's status: Court

It was contended that MJ Akbar filed a selective complaint: Court

The accused contended that the allegations were duly proved through her evidence and the evidence of Niloufer : Court

Court accepts the possibility of defence of accused that she disclosed her truth on the basis her own testimony and that of Niloufer. Court accepts that Akbar was not a man of stellar reputation: court

#MJAkbar #PriyaRamani

The court takes consideration of systematic abuse at workplace: Court

Court notes the absence of Vishakha guidelines at the relevant time.

The social stigma attached with the allegations.. society must understand the impact of sexual abuse and harassment on its victims: court

Court observes that Even a man of social status can be a sexual harasser.

Sexual abuse takes away dignity and self confidence: Court

Right of reputation can't be protected at the cost of right to dignity : Court
#PriyaRamani #MJAkbar

Woman has right to put her grievance even after decades: Court

#PriyaRamani

Court refers to ancient texts.

Jatayu came to protect Princess Sita : Court reads

Court refers to Mahabharata.

The Indian women only require equality .. : Court

Court notes the participation rate of women.

Indian Parliament has enacted various laws for protection of women : Court

Court takes note of the various Acts and government schemes..

Case of complainant is not proved. #PriyaRamani is acquitted: Court

You are acquitted from the present case : Court

#PriyaRamani

#Breaking: Delhi Court acquits Priya Ramani in criminal defamation case by MJ Akbar.

#MeToo #PriyaRamani #MJAkbar

@mjakbar

Court informs that parties that an appeal can be filed in case of any grievance.

[FULL STORY]: Right of reputation can't be protected at the cost of right to dignity: Delhi Court acquits Priya Ramani in MJ Akbar defamation case

#MeToo @IndiaMeToo @mjakbar #PriyaRamani

barandbench.com/news/litigatio…

Court asks Priya Ramani to furnish a bail bond in case an appeal is preferred.

#PriyaRamani #MJAkbar

“This is the most important case of my lifetime” - Rebecca John

She spoke to Aditi Singh post the verdict in MJ Akbar vs Priya Ramani

#metoo @IndiaMeToo @mjakbar #mjakbar #PriyaRamani #SexualHarassment @aditi2118

“Me the victim had to stand up in court as the accused”

Priya Ramani speaking thanks her friends and lawyers after the verdict.

#MeToo @IndiaMeToo @mjakbar #PriyaRamani @aditi2118

“Fight for dignity”

#MeToo @IndiaMeToo

"Probably the most important case of my career:" Senior Advocate Rebecca John on trial in MJ Akbar v. Priya Ramani

report by @aditi2118

#metooindia #mjakbar #PriyaRamani
#sexualharassment

barandbench.com/news/litigatio…

Read the order acquitting Priya Ramani in the defamation case filed by MJ Akbar - bit.ly/3bi8m0u #PriyaRamani #MJAkbar #MeToo #metooindia

"Victim of sexual abuse sometimes do not speak up for many years because she might have no idea that she is a victim of such abuse. She may believe she is at fault," Delhi court.

#mjkabar #priyaramani #sexualharassment

Attack in character of sexual abuser is reaction of self defence after the mental trauma suffered by victim.

Criminal defamation cannot be used to punish woman for raising her voice against sexual abuser: Delhi court.

#MJAkbar #PriyaRamani #sexualharassment

"Woman has the right to put her grievance on a platform of her choice even after decades," Delhi court.

#MJAkbar #PriyaRamani #sexualharassment

MJ Akbar v. Priya Ramani: Two years, three judges and a 91-page judgement

@aditi2118 writes.

#PriyaRamani #MJAkbar

barandbench.com/news/litigatio…