[LIVE-UPDATES] [MJ Akbar Vs Priya Ramani Defamation Case] Final Arguments By Senior Advocate Rebecca John

The court will next take-up Senior Adv Geeta Luthra's arguments on rebuttal on October 13 

John concludes her final arguments.

John: #MeToo movement was started to correct the structural wrong which was continuing the wrong

This was recognised by #RuthBaderGinsberg in her address as well.

That's why Ramani shall be acquitted, John argues

'This case has been learning experience for me', John says while citing Ruth Bader Ginsburg on gender equality

John: #MeToo movement gave a platform to thousands of women all across the world to come forward and share their stories of sexual harassment 

John: It is my final submission that freedom of speech and expression is intrinsic to a democratic society. Ramani has shown how to make a statement in good faith and in public interest

John: That's why Ramani must be acquitted. She has shown that the preponderance of probability lies in her favour. 

John: Ramani contested the reputation of Akbar through her own evidence, that of Ghazala Wahab, showing his relationship with Pallavi Gogoi, and the fact that 14 women accused him of sexual harassment at workplace

John: Ramani has caused no delay in sharing her story. She's not filing a complaint, she's defending a case.

'Defence witnesses are of sterling quality', John argues

John: Ramani has explained good faith by showing the journey of sexual harassment at the workplace in India, and the journey of the #MeToo movement