Kangana Ranaut files transfer plea, counter complaint against Javed Akhtar

Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut has filed a counter complaint against lyricist Javed Akhtar accusing him of extortion and criminal intimidation, and seeking transfer of the complaint to another Magistrate. .On Monday, Ranaut appeared before Andheri Metropolitan Magistrate RR Khan, before whom proceedings in the defamation complaint filed by Akhtar were heard. .Through her lawyer Advocate Rizwan Siddiquee, Ranaut contended that she was being summoned to court without specifying any reasons as to why she was expected to appear. Siddiquee added that Ranaut’s plea could have been recorded the moment he had appeared on her behalf, and that her presence was not required. “I am making a categorical statement, I have lost faith in this Court,” Siddiquee stated. On these grounds, he filed an application before the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate for transfer of the defamation complaint to any other Magistrate..Siddiquee added that Ranaut had filed a counter complaint under Sections 383, 384 (extortion), 387 (putting person in fear of death or of grievous hurt in order to commit extortion), 503 and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code.The complaint was registered in Andheri Court itself. Ranaut's counsel requested for a short date to enable him to argue his transfer application before the CMM. .Advocate Jay Bharadwaj and Priya Arora appearing for Akhtar opposed the adjournment. The Court eventually adjourned the matter to November 15, 2021 to enable Akhtar to peruse and respond to the application and counter complaint. .Akhtar had moved the Magistrate court against Ranaut claiming that her statements aired on Republic TV amounted to the offence of criminal defamation under Sections 499 and 500 of the Indian Penal Code.As per Akhtar's complaint, Ranaut had, during her interview with Republic TV Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami, allegedly commented that Akhtar was part of a "Bollywood suicide gang" who could "get away with anything"..Ranaut had challenged the summons before the Sessions Court at Dindoshi, which dismissed the same. She also filed an application for permanent exemption from appearance in the pending defamation proceedings..However, the Andheri Court had warned Ranaut that if she fails to remain present for hearing on the next date, an arrest warrant will be issued against her. The Magistrate had during an earlier hearing granted Ranaut one last chance to appear, clarifying that a bailable warrant will be issued against her if she fails to appear..Follow Bar and Bench channel on WhatsAppDownload the Bar and Bench Mobile app for instant access to the latest legal news.