Aishwarya Rathore –
Published on: September 2, 2021, at 21:38 IST
The Bombay High Court on Wednesday reserved its Order on Kangana Ranaut plea for the quashing of Criminal Defamation proceedings brought against her by legendary lyricist Javed Akhtar.
Ranaut had contested the defamation proceedings initiated earlier this year through her counsel, Rizwan Siddiquee, claiming that the Magistrate’s Court in Suburban Andheri had failed to apply its mind to the case.
Siddiquee claimed that no evidence was recovered and that the Police as such only presented a one-sided investigation report, which was in violation of Section 162 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, and that the magistrate relied on it.
Siddiquee added, “My witnesses were never examined. The magistrate should have ensured that no party was harassed.”
However, Akhtar’s counsel, Jay Bharadwaj, informed the Court that the magistrate ordered a Police investigation after reviewing Akhtar’s complaint and extracts from the interview in which Ranaut had made the alleged Defamatory comments.
Jay Bharadwaj further added, “The Police had summoned witnesses and concerned parties, including Ranaut, in order to guarantee that the investigation was impartial, but the actor had never replied to the summons.”
After hearing both sides, the Court concluded the hearing and reserved its decision on the appeal.
Meanwhile, the Andheri Magistrate adjourned the hearing on Akhtar’s Defamation suit until September 14, giving Ranaut one final chance to appear before the Court.
Also Read: Definition of Defamation- Explained