Priya Ramani pleads not guilty in defamation case filed by former Union Minister M.J. Akbar

Journalist Priya Ramani accused Mr. Akbar of sexual misconduct, a charge denied by him.

Former Union Minister M.J. Akbar.

A Delhi court on Wednesday framed defamation charges against journalist Priya Ramani in a case filed by ex-Union minister M.J. Akbar after she levelled allegations of sexual misconduct against him.

Ms. Ramani, who appeared before Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Samar Vishal, however, pleaded not guilty and claimed trial.

Mr. Akbar, who resigned as Union minister on October 17 last year, filed a private criminal defamation complaint against Ms. Ramani after his name cropped up on social media as the #MeToo campaign raged on in India.

Ms. Ramani accused Mr. Akbar of sexual misconduct, a charge denied by him.

The court listed the matter for hearing on May 4 and also granted permanent exemption to Ms. Ramani from personal appearance.