A criminal prosecution that is inexpensive and quick becomes a handy tool to silence critics
Some judicial verdicts acquire emblematic significance far beyond the outcome of a particular case. The acquittal of journalist Priya Ramani of the charge of defaming M.J. Akbar, a former Union Minister, journalist and author, has protected and preserved the space for women who have found their voice in recent times to speak out about their experience of sexual harassment in the workplace. A conviction in this case would have had disastrous consequences for the many courageous women who have come out with disturbing revelations about the extent to which a large number of professions and fields in the country have been unsafe. Be it the media, as in this case, or any other domain, the reality that many women suffer in silence in the face of harassment, especially in the early stages of their career, has been brought to the fore by the new-found space and freedom to share their experiences, e
New Delhi, February 17
Saying that a woman has the right to voice her grievance before any platform even after decades, a Delhi court on Wednesday acquitted journalist Priya Ramani in a defamation ca
Updated:
Share Article
AAA
The Indian Women’s Press Corps (IWPC) has welcomed the court verdict acquitting Priya Ramani in a defamation case filed by former Union Minister M J Akbar, whom she had accused of sexual harassment.
In a statement here, the IWPC commended the courage shown by Ms. Ramani and key defence witness and journalist Ghazala Wahab. “It is a vindication of us women journalists, who have forever protested sexual harassment and assault and shied away from unwelcome attention in the newsroom. All we want is a safe working space, so that we can hold the outside world to account; instead, we often find that the predators are within,” the statement said.
A Delhi court has dismissed a defamation case filed by former Union minister and editor M.J. Akbar against journalist Priya Ramani for levelling allegations of sexual misconduct against him, marking a milestone moment in the “Me Too” movement in India.
Additional chief metropolitan magistrate Ravindra Kumar Pandey acquitted Ramani of the charge of criminal defamation.
The court also accepted her contention that the complainant a former deputy external affairs minister in the first government headed by Narendra Modi “is not a man of stellar reputation”.
As the judge left the courtroom, journalist Natasha Badhwar, who was there to express solidarity with Ramani, cried out: “Thank you, Sir!”
A win for #Metoo and all the women who spoke up! timesnownews.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from timesnownews.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.