Delhi High Court Expedited Hearing in M J Akbar's Defamation Case

The Delhi High Court fast-tracked the hearing of M J Akbar's plea against Priya Ramani's acquittal in March, rather than May. Akbar challenges the trial court’s decision that acquitted Ramani, who accused him of sexual misconduct during the #MeToo movement. The case now proceeds in March.

The Delhi High Court has decided to expedite the hearing of former minister M J Akbar's appeal against the acquittal of journalist Priya Ramani in his defamation suit. The court moved the hearing from May to March, granting Akbar's request for a more immediate date.

Justice Ravinder Dudeja granted the plea from Akbar's counsel, who argued for an earlier hearing than the initially scheduled May 2026. However, Ramani's counsel did not object, agreeing with the March timeline due to the lack of urgency.

Akbar filed the appeal against a February 2021 trial court ruling that acquitted Ramani, citing a woman's right to voice grievances. He critiqued the trial court's decision as based on conjecture, asserting it overlooked crucial evidence.

(With inputs from agencies.)