<p>The Court of Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Rouse Avenue is hearing former Union Minister, MJ Akbar's criminal defamation case against Priya Ramani for her allegations of sexual harassment against Akbar.</p>.<p>Recently-appointed Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, <strong>Ravindra Kumar Pandey</strong> is hearing the matter. Since a new judge has taken over, parties have been asked to make final submissions afresh.</p>.<p>At the <a href="https://www.barandbench.com/news/litigation/delhi-court-mj-akbar-v-priya-ramani-hearing-live-november-24" rel="nofollow">last hearing</a>, Senior Advocate <strong>Geeta Luthra</strong> argued that Ramani's statements were <em>per se</em> defamatory and made deliberately with <em>mala fide </em>intention.</p>.<p>Luthra remarked,</p><p><em>"The accused has unsupported statements as evidence.. she (Ramani) and her second witness (Nilofer) have contradicted themselves.. it (the allegation) is not supported by CCTV or hotel record."</em></p>.No settlement in MJ Akbar defamation case before Delhi Court as Priya Ramani stands by her statement.<p>Previously, the newly-appointed judge had asked MJ Akbar and Priya Ramani whether there was <a href="https://www.barandbench.com/news/litigation/is-settlement-possible-court-mj-akbar-defamation-case-against-priya-ramani-asks" rel="nofollow">any scope to settle the matter</a>. While Priya Ramani'counsel signalled that Ramani did not intend to back down from her statement, Akbar's advocate suggested that the matter be continued to be heard on merits.</p>.<p>Senior Advocate Rebecca John is expected to advance submissions on behalf of Ramani today.</p>.<p><em><strong>Live updates from the hearing today feature here.</strong></em></p>
![MJ Akbar v. Priya Ramani: Disclosure made in good faith, for public good; no case for defamation: Rebecca John for Ramani [LIVE UPDATES]](https://gumlet.assettype.com/barandbench%2F2020-12%2Fb9675998-209f-490c-aef1-64eb7c2aa41c%2FMJ_Akbar__Priya_Ramani.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=max)