Priya Ramani's allegations defamatory: MJ Akbar to court

NEW DELHI: Former Union minister MJ Akbar, who on Saturday appeared in a Delhi court to record his statement in a

defamation

case lodged by him against journalist Priya Ramani, said her allegations are highly offensive, defamatory and mala fide. Ramani has levelled

sexual harassment

allegations against the former editor turned politician.


"Ramani's tweet had adversely affected my reputation," Akbar told the court even as his lawyer, senior advocate Geeta Luthra raised objections against several questions asked by Ramani's counsel, senior advocate Rebecca John who cross-examined Akbar. However, the court allowed John to proceed, saying it was a criminal defamation case and "she has the liberty to defend herself."

When Ramani's lawyer asked Akbar if he had asked her to meet him at The

Oberoi hotel

in Mumbai's Nariman Point when she had gone for an interview at The Asian Age newspaper's office there in December 1993, he replied that he could not recall the incident.

The court has listed the matter for the further hearing on May 20.