38.6c New Delhi, India, Thursday, March 28, 2024
Judiciary

District Judge Denies Transfer of MJ Akbar's Defamation Case; Case to remain with MP-MLA Court

By VANDANA KOTHARI      23 October, 2020 06:31 PM      0 Comments
District Judge Denies Transfer of MJ Akbar's Defamation Case MP-MLA Court

In 2018, at the height of the #Metoo movement journalist Ms. Priya Ramani, accused former Union Minister and BJP MP Mr. M J Akbar of sexually harassing her during the time when he was a senior editor and she used to work under him as a junior journalist. Other women journalists also came out with similar experiences with editor MJ Akbar. 

This allegation cost Akbar his position as a minister. He then in October 2018 filed a criminal defamation case against Priya Ramani. 

The case was being heard by a Special MP/MLA court for 2 years. When the case was at its last stage that is the final hearing, then at that point the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Vishal Pahuja listed the matter before a District and Sessions Judge of the Rouse Avenue District Court, New Delhi on October 14 for appropriate orders. 

ACMM Pahuja cited directions issued by the Supreme Court relating to matters relating to lawmakers pending against courts. “There has been a direction from the Supreme Court... This case has to be placed before the learned District & Sessions Judge for directions. This court will only deal with cases against MP/MLAs…” 

ACMM Vishal Pahuja said that “only matters filed against MPs and MLAs can be listed before the Rouse House Avenue Court” whereas the case filed by MJ Akbar, a former Minister of State for External Affairs, dealt with defamation. 

This chance of transfer of case created a lot of confusion and frustration as it could have meant that the case had to start from starting. Addressing such confusion Sujata Kohli, District & Sessions Judge-Cum Special Judge reserved an order on the issue of transfer on October 14. 

On 22nd October, Thursday, the Judge refused to transfer the defamation case away from a Special MP/MLA Court. 

The next hearing of the case is set for 2nd November and will be continued by the ACMM. 



Share this article:



Leave a feedback about this
TRENDING NEWS

sc-declines-to-reconsider-judgement-holding-conspiracy-to-be-scheduled-offence-under-pmla-only-if-offence-specifically-mentioned
Trending Judiciary
SC declines to reconsider judgement holding conspiracy to be scheduled offence under PMLA only if offence specifically mentioned [Read Order]

Supreme Court declines review, confirms conspiracy must relate to a scheduled offence under PMLA, dismissing appeal on money laundering charges.

27 March, 2024 07:40 PM
arvind-kejriwals-plea-for-interim-release-rejected-by-delhi-high-court
Trending Judiciary
Arvind Kejriwal's plea for interim release rejected by Delhi High Court [Read Order]

Delhi High Court rejects Arvind Kejriwal's plea for interim release in money laundering case related to liquor policy scam, pending ED's response.

28 March, 2024 10:50 AM

TOP STORIES

global-entertainment-giants-warner-bros-netflix-amazon-get-relief-from-delhi-hc-in-copyright-protection-case
Trending Business
Global entertainment giants Warner Bros, Netflix, Amazon get relief from Delhi HC in copyright protection case

Delhi HC grants relief to global entertainment giants like Netflix, Amazon, Warner Bros, ordering takedown of copyrighted content on rogue websites.

22 March, 2024 12:13 PM
arvind-kejriwal-arrested-can-cm-administer-a-region-while-being-in-jail
Trending Top Stories
Arvind Kejriwal Arrested | Can CM administer a region while being in jail?

Will President's rule be imposed in Delhi after Kejriwal’s arrest? Read the full article to know more.

22 March, 2024 03:16 PM
merely-because-you-are-politician-cant-bypass-statutory-remedies-procedure-sc-refuses-to-consider-bail-by-kavitha
Trending Judiciary
'Merely because you are politician, can't bypass statutory remedies, procedure,' SC refuses to consider bail by Kavitha

Supreme Court denies bail to politician Kavitha in Delhi Liquor Policy Scam; ED alleges Rs 100 crore illegal gratification.

22 March, 2024 03:34 PM
ponmudi-to-be-sworn-in-as-minister-tn-governor-relents-before-sc
Trending Judiciary
Ponmudi to be sworn in as Minister, TN Governor relents before SC

Tamil Nadu Governor relents to Supreme Court's order, agrees to swear in DMK leader K Ponmudi as Minister after court's rap.

22 March, 2024 03:54 PM

ADVERTISEMENT


Join Group

Signup for Our Newsletter

Get Exclusive access to members only content by email