Defamation: The Weapon of Choice to Stifle Pursuit of Justice and Free Speech
Defamation laws as different from âordinaryâ attacks on free speech. They aim to shut down critical speech by intimidating critics and undermining their active public engagement.
Illustration: The Wire
Women11/Mar/2021
It has been more than two weeks since Priya Ramani was acquitted in a defamation suit filed by former Union minister and journalist, M.J. Akbar. It was followed, expectedly and deservedly, by collective celebrations and resounding applause, but itâs time that the euphoria gave way to more profound questions about why she was standing in the court as an âaccusedâ in the very first place. Wasnât she the victim â of sexual harassment and unconcealed, blatant abuse of masculine privilege by Akbar?