[BREAKING] MJ Akbar's defamation case against Priya Ramani not to be transferred, to continue before Special MP/MLA Court

District & Sessions Judge, Rouse Avenue, New Delhi today refused to transfer MJ Akbar's defamation case against Priya Ramani from a Special MP/MLA Court which has been hearing the case since 2018. [MJ Abkar v. Priya Ramani].Sujata Kohli, District & Sessions Judge-Cum Special Judge (PC Act/CBI) had reserved order on the issue of transfer on October 14. .[MJ Abkar v. Priya Ramani] Delhi Court to pronounce order on issue of transfer on October 22.The matter had reached the Court of District & Sessions Judge after a Special Court for MP/MLAs (Special Court), which has been hearing the case for two years, opined that since the case was not "against" any MP or MLA, it needed to be transferred..[MJ Abkar v. Priya Ramani] Case not filed against MP/MLA; Needs to be transferred: Delhi Court.While counsel for MJ Akbar had urged that the matter be sent back to the Special Court to save judicial time, counsel for Ramani had left the issue to the wisdom of the court. .Counsel for Ramani had nonetheless stated that as per the notification on constitution of Special Court, it was clear that the court which had been hearing the matter was solely for cases against MP/MLAs..To arrive at its decision, the Court perused the Supreme Court's order which resulted in the notification on constitution of Special Courts for MP/MLAs and said, ."..the object seems clearly that if there is a question mark on the reputation of an MP/MLA, it should be cleared fast, if it is clearable and the case should not linger for long. Similarly, if he is indeed guilty, the truth should come out expeditiously, even in that situation.".It noted that the emphasis of the Supreme Court order was on cases involving MP/MLAs and it was not intended anywhere that the Special Courts would be for cases against the MP/MLAs..Even though, it is stated in the notification, the words against the MP/MLAs, however, if there is a contradiction between the notification and the main order of Hon’ble Supreme Court pursuant to which the notification had been issued, it is needless to say that it is the order of the Hon’ble Supreme Court which would be the guiding path, and not the notification.the Court said. .Since the present case involved the name and reputation of an MP, the Court opined that the matter should be tried and disposed of by the designated court itself..In October 2018, MJ Akbar had filed a criminal defamation complaint against journalist, Priya Ramani after she took to twitter to level allegations of sexual misconduct against him..Appearing for Akbar, Senior Advocate Geeta Luthra has contended that due process was not followed when Ramani made the allegations against MJ Akbar, a man of stellar reputation, on social media. She argued that the nature of the allegations was such that they were pre se defamatory..I deserve to be acquitted: Senior Advocate Rebecca John concludes submissions for Priya Ramani in MJ Akbar defamation case.In response, Ramani has pleaded truth, good faith, public interest and public good as her defence in the defamation trial. She is being represented by Senior Advocate Rebecca John. . Judge Vishal Pajua will hear the defamation case on November 2 at 10:30 am..Read the Order: