The Bombay High Court on Friday rejected a petition filed by actor Kangana Ranaut seeking a stay on the trial arising from a defamation complaint filed against her by lyricist Javed Akhtar.Akhtar had filed the complaint against Ranaut after taking exception to certain remarks made by her in an interview aired on Republic TV.The remarks made by Ranaut concerned a 2016 meeting between her and Akhtar.Meanwhile, Ranaut also filed a cross-complaint against Akhtar raising allegations of criminal conspiracy, extortion and outraging her modesty by invading her privacy.
Ranaut later approached the High Court through advocate Rizwan Siddiquee, claiming that both her complaint and Akhtar's complaint stemmed from the same incident and hence ought to be tried together to avoid conflicting judgments. Therefore, she urged the High Court to stay the defamation proceedings initiated on Akhtar's complaint.Justice PD Naik pronounced the verdict today and observed that the trial in Akhtar’s case has already commenced. Thus, the relief sought by Ranaut cannot be granted at this stage, the Court said.“The trial in the complaint by Akhtar had already commenced. Ranaut preferred application at belated stage. Akhtar’s complaint is first in point of time and process has been issued. Considering the factual matrix, no relief can be granted," the court said.A sessions court in Mumbai had earlier stayed the order and the criminal proceedings arising from Ranaut's complaint till a revision application by Akhtar was finally heard.Ranaut claimed in her plea that while the proceedings arising from her complaint were so stayed, the proceedings arising from Akhtar's complaint were continuing.She argued that this was unjust and against the established principles of natural justice.Akhtar, meanwhile, opposed the petition through advocate Jay Bharadwaj. Akhtar's counsel argued that Ranaut had filed the petition only to delay proceedings in the defamation case initiated by the lyricist.
Bharadwaj also argued that there was no basis for Ranaut to invoke the writ jurisdiction of the High Court in this matter and that her prayers were vague and untenable.
TAGS: Bombay High Court Kangana Ranaut Javed Akhtar defamation trial petition remarks Republic TV interview
