Journalist Priya Ramani on Saturday told a Delhi court hearing a criminal defamation complaint filed by former Union minister MJ Akbar against her that he did not have a ‘sterling reputation’ as claimed by him. Ramani, who had accused Akbar of sexual conduct from 20 years ago, stated this through senior advocate Rebecca John during the final hearing of the matter.

"He [Akbar] himself says he was in a consensual relationship [with one of his juniors, who, during the #MeToo movement, accused him of rape] which was hampering his family life. Is this the conduct of the man with a sterling reputation? At least 15-16 women tweeted against Akbar." John told Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) Ravindra Kumar Pandey. Akbar had filed a complaint against Ramani for allegedly defaming him by accusing him of sexual misconduct when he was a journalist, prior to his foray into politics.