Chaini Parwani –
Published On: October 21, 2021 at 16:45 IST
Mumbai Court declined Kangana Ranaut‘s Petition to transfer the Defamation Case lodged against her by Lyricist Javed Akhtar.
Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate S.T. Dande on Ranaut’s Petition highlighting prejudice against the Trial Judge RR Khan, states that she had “Lost faith in the Court.”
Advocate Rizwan Siddiqeee representing Ranaut observed that the Judge was constantly asking Ranaut to remain present in Court to record her ‘Plea’ and begin the Trial against her, if at all.
Advocate Siddiquee further argued that a simple Defamation case, which is Non-cognizable, Bailable and compoundable can easily be recorded by her attorney who would complete all the formalities on her behalf.
Advocate Jay Bharadwaj representing Lyricist Javed Akhtar claimed that Ranaut has been Intentionally missing Court Trials. Hence, her statement could not be recorded via Section 251 of Code of Criminal Procedure.
Bharadwaj further argued that Procedural aspects of the issue had previously been unsuccessfully challenged by Ranaut before the Revision Court (by way of a revision petition)and by way of a quashing Petition before the Bombay High Court.
Following a Police Investigation, on February 1, Metropolitan Magistrate issued proceedings against Ranaut under Section 204 of CrPC and directed her to appear on March 1 to record her plea.
On September 20, Ranaut finally appeared before the Andheri court but the matter could not proceed as she sought transfer of the case before the Chief Judicial Magistrate.
Metropolitan Magistrate RR Khan then Adjourned the Defamation case saying it would proceed in such circumstances.
Also Read: Kangana Ranaut moves Bombay HC for quashing Defamation Case by Javed Akhtar
Mumbai Police to probe Javed Akhtar defamation complaint against Kangana Ranaut