[Live Updates] : MJ Akbar vs Priya Ramani Final Hearing

Luthra reads out the part of the article wherein Ramani is talking about Akbar’s “wonderful reputation”.

“Can you call a person a predator based on this ?” Luthra says, while reading out the article.

Luthra comments on how making such allegations after so many years doesn’t give Akbar the fair chance to respond to them. “There has to be some fairness. We can’t be a social media country !”

Luthra states that she’s refraining from commenting on the political bandwagon because she doesn’t want to take this in that direction. However, she comments on how the image of Akbar was tainted despite him working so hard to reach the place where he is. 

Luthra : This is not a communication by one person to another person for their greater interests. This is deliberately malafide and brought to defame a person who worked hard step by step to make something of himself.

Luthra : “Conduct of the accused by not taking any action belies the sanctity of the article and the allegations. It portrays that the allegations are merely a figment of her imagination.”

Luthra questions the ulterior motives for maligning the reputation of Akbar. She states that there were vested interests.

Luthra is now reading out the posts made by Ramani on social media.

Luthra, “This is on the face of it defamatory. What could be the public good that you’re bringing, except for jumping out on the bandwagon ?"

Luthra requests the CMM to acknowledge the long standing career of 44 years of Akbar. “He has been associated with leading media houses.”

The complaint asserts that the allegations made by Senior Journalist Priya Ramani cast a shadow on the reputation of MJ Akbar, a man of unjustifiable standing, married with two kids.

Hearing starts.

Geeta Luthra appearing for M J Akbar in final arguments in the case.

Geeta Luthra seeks permission to read the complaint, chief and cross examinations in entirety.