In February, Ramani had been acquitted in the defamation case filed against her by Akbar.
The Delhi High Court issued a notice to journalist Priya Ramani on Wednesday while hearing an appeal by former union minister MJ Akbar challenging her acquittal in the criminal defamation case filed by him, Live Law reported.
Akbar's counsel told the court that while acquitting Ramani in the defamation case, the trial court in February had accepted the "contention of accused and possibility of defence of accused that she disclosed the truth regarding sexual harassment against her". "You can't rely on 'possibility of defence'," senior advocate Geeta Luthra said.
The court accordingly issued a notice to Ramani.
Ramani had made allegations of sexual misconduct against Akbar in 2018, in the wake of the #MeToo movement in India. In response, Akbar filed a defamation suit against Ramani on October 15 that year, to which Ramani pleaded not guilty. Akbar also stepped down as union minister.
On February 17, a trial court acquitted Ramani, saying, "The case of the complainant is not proved." The court also said that a woman has the right to "put her grievance even after decades".
The media must be free and fair, uninfluenced by corporate or state interests. That's why you, the public, need to pay to keep news free.
ContributeOn March 25, Akbar moved the Delhi High Court against Ramani's acquittal.
General elections are around the corner, and Newslaundry and The News Minute have ambitious plans together to focus on the issues that really matter to the voter. From political funding to battleground states, media coverage to 10 years of Modi, choose a project you would like to support and power our journalism.
Ground reportage is central to public interest journalism. Only readers like you can make it possible. Will you?