MJ Akbar versus Priya Ramani: Details of the criminal defamation complaint filed by BJP minister of state

Minister of state for external affairs MJ Akbar has filed a criminal defamation case at Patiala House against journalist Priya Ramani who has accused him of sexual harassment. The complaint details Akbar’s long and illustrious career in journalism, the books he’s authored and his status as a married man with children, and says Ramani has made “false, derogatory and malicious imputations” against him.

The complaint says that Ramani while putting forward alleged incidents that occurred 20 years ago “simultaneously admits that the complainant has not done anything to her” and calls her articles and allegations a “figment of her imagination”. The complaint links to examples of these defamatory allegations, which can be seen here, here, here and here and lists reportage on the same in Washington Post, Mint and Firstpost. It says Akbar’s reputation has been “diminished and tarnished”, and asks the court to let him “lead evidence to prove his case through witnesses”. The witnesses listed are Joyeeta Basu, Veenu Sandal, Tapan Chaki, Sunil Gujral and Manzar Ali.

It’s interesting to note that the case is filed only against Ramani and makes no mention of the 10 other women who had made accusations against Akbar. Earlier today, Indian Express had spoken to five women journalists who had accused Akbar, including Ramani, who said they stood by their statements.

Read the full complaint here.