[MJ Akbar Vs Priya Ramani Defamation Case] Final Arguments By Sr.Ad Rebecca John [LIVE-UPDATES]

Akbar had stated that he has published a wide variety of books which establishes his reputation in South Asia

'Ramani's allegations damaged my reputation in the eyes of my family, friends, and public', Akbar had stated

John reads out the portions of the complaint against Ramani and the statements given by Akbar in his chief to establish his reputation and how the same was harmed by Ramani's allegations 

John now focuses on the charge of damaging Akbar's reputation 

John again refers to Ramani's statement

'There's no linkage between Akbar's political journey and Ramani making these allegations', John argues

John: the world back then was much different than what is it now.  

John: it took a long fight for women to build such a platform and space where they can share their stories 

John: delay was due to the fact that there was a vacuum in law and absence of safe platform to make such allegations

'things were different back then, women are asked to remain silent about these things', John argues

John now addresses the charge against Ramani for making a 'delayed allegation' against a member of a particular political party 

John: Ramani has been able to establish truth, good faith, and public interest, either through her own evidence or those of other witnesses that corroborated her story

John: informs the court about the history and development of #MeToo movement, which started in the US, and then came to India

'Importance of this movement can't be contested, whether this court accepts Ramani's statement or not', John argues