MJ Akbar cross-examined in Ramani defamation case

Akbar has filed a defamation case against Ramani when she levelled allegations of sexual misconduct against him. Ramani accused Akbar of sexual misconduct around 20 years ago, which he denies.

Akbar has denied all the allegations levelled as sexual misconduct by some 20 women and called them all baseless and politically motivated.

Akbar said he did not receive a phone call from Ramani and denied that he had asked her to visit him in his Oberoi Hotel room. He had further denied having asked any personal questions to Ramani, including allegations of having asked her about her family, study abroad and her first job. He also denied that he was tutored to give false answers.

Akbar resigned as Union minister last year and then filed a criminal defamation complaint against Ramani after his name cropped up on social media as "Me Too" campaign raged on in India.

Counsel for Ramani on Monday cross examined Akbar before the court of Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Samar Vishal.

Akbar submitted before the court that allegations as leveled by Ramani were defamatory and malafide.

Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Samar Vishal on Monday after hearing adjourned the matter for further hearing on July 6.