Why the Court Acquitted Priya Ramani – And What Happens Next

The key takeaways from the verdict, including its value for other women who say #MeToo, and Akbar’s appeal options.

(This was first published on 18 February. It has been republished from The Quint’s archives after MJ Akbar moved Delhi High Court challenging a trial court’s decision to acquit journalist Priya Ramani)

The acquittal of journalist Priya Ramani on 17 February in the criminal defamation case against her by former Union Minister MJ Akbar has been widely hailed as an extremely important moment in the fight against sexual harassment at the workplace.

Not only was this particular attempt by Akbar to silence one of his accusers (and intimidate all the others) thwarted by the court’s verdict, it should also make other men with power and influence think twice before seeking to use legal action to suppress news of their misdemeanours.