Delhi HC lists M.J. Akbar’s plea against Priya Ramani in defamation case for final hearing on September 24

The Delhi High Court on Monday, March 16, 2026, listed former Union Minister MJ Akbar’s objection to his acquittal in the criminal defamation case filed by journalist Priya Ramani over allegations of sexual harassment for final hearing on September 24.

Judge Swarana Kanta Sharma said, “Court records have been received. Both parties have submitted written statements. List for final hearing on next date.”

Mr. Akbar challenged the trial court’s February 17, 2021 order acquitting Ms. Priya Ramani in the case on the grounds that a woman has the right to submit her complaints to any platform of her choice even after decades.

On January 13, 2022, the High Court agreed to hear Mr. Akbar’s appeal against the trial court’s decision and granted it; Thereupon, notice was sent to Ms. Priya Ramani in August 2021.

In his appeal, Mr. Akbar argued that the trial court decided the criminal defamation case based on guesses and assumptions.

In his defense, he claimed that the trial court failed to evaluate the allegations and evidence on record.

Mr Akbar also claimed that the court “made a serious mistake” in observing that he did not have a very good reputation and had ignored established principles of criminal law.

The trial court had dismissed the defamation complaint filed by Mr. Akbar and acquitted Ms. Priya Ramani, saying that no allegations had been proven against her.

The trial court said it was shameful that crimes against women were committed in a country where mega epics like ‘Mahabharata’ and ‘Ramayana’ were written about respecting women.

Ms. Priya Ramani made sexual harassment allegations against Mr. Akbar following the “#MeToo” movement in 2018.

Mr. Akbar filed a complaint against Ms. Priya Ramani on October 15, 2018, alleging that she was defamed by being accused of sexual harassment decades ago.

He resigned as Union Minister on 17 October 2018.