The Delhi High Court on Tuesday moved forward the hearing date for former Union Minister M.J. Akbar’s appeal against the acquittal of journalist Priya Ramani. Originally scheduled for May 7, 2026, the hearing has now been advanced to March 16, 2026.
Justice Ravinder Dudeja granted Akbar’s application for an earlier date. While Akbar’s legal team initially requested a February slot, Ramani’s counsel suggested March, noting there was no immediate urgency.
Background of the Case
The legal battle stems from a criminal defamation complaint filed by Akbar in October 2018. The complaint followed allegations of sexual misconduct made by Priya Ramani during the #MeToo movement.
- Trial Court Verdict (Feb 2021): The trial court acquitted Ramani, famously stating that a woman has the right to voice her grievances on any platform of her choice, even decades after the incident. The court emphasized that a “man of social status can also be a sexual harasser.”
- The Appeal: Akbar challenged this acquittal in the High Court, contending that the trial court’s decision was based on “surmises and conjecture” and failed to properly evaluate the evidence on record.
- Legal Timeline: The High Court admitted Akbar’s appeal in January 2022 and has since been examining the merits of the challenge.
Significance of the Deferral
Following the allegations in 2018, Akbar resigned from his position as a Union Minister. The trial court’s original judgment was hailed as a landmark victory for the #MeToo movement in India, reinforcing the legal protections for women speaking out against historical harassment.