Rebecca John & Priya Ramani win #MeToo case: A Delhi court Wednesday pronounced its verdict in the defamation case filed by MJ Akbar in 2018 against journalist Priya Ramani, who had accused him of sexually harassing her, acquitting her with the observation, "Even a man of social status can be a sexual harasser."
In what is being hailed on social media as a "watershed moment" for India's #MeToo movement, all eyes are on Ramani and her lawyer Rebecca John. John, a senior criminal defense advocate, had been representing Ramani in court, along with Advocate Bhavook Chauhan. Senior advocate Geeta Luthra represented Akbar.
Who Is Rebecca John?
Rebecca John is among the country's most esteemed senior lawyers notable for having represented many high-profile cases. A graduate of Delhi University's prestigious Faculty of Law, John has been practicing law since 1988. Her portfolio includes representation of the Talwar parents in the Aarushi Talwar murder case, stockbroker Harshad Mehta, cricketer S Sreesanth and victims of the anti-Sikh riots in 1984. She has previously expressed opposition to the death penalty and a need for criminal law reform.
Talking to SheThePeople in 2017, she elaborated on how to humanise rape trials. "Usually the witness is thrown into a courtroom where several things happen like fights breaking out, the judge shouting etc. So this whole experience of rape trial becomes very scary... It is also about how the court treats her? Because when she goes out, she doesn’t feel that it was an unworthy experience."
Most recently, she represented journalist Ramani in the defamation case filed by Akbar after #MeToo allegations against him came to light. Talking after her win here's all Rebecca John said:
- It was an extremely difficult trial to do... When you fight powerful people and you have only truth on your side, the journey becomes very relevant to you personally.
- This is probably the most important case of my career.
- It was also challenging with respect to many of the defences we pleaded because these are defences people normally don't take.
"I plead truth as my defence," John for Ramani during a court hearing
John And Ramani Win Praise On Twitter
Social media users are showering praise on Rebecca John for leading Ramani's case to victory in court. Here are some reactions:
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