However, Akbar filed a criminal complaint against Ramani, accusing her of defamation—hearings of the case are presently underway. Defamation is an offence which carries a punishment of up to two years’ imprisonment. In India, defamation is an offence under both civil and criminal law. John strongly believes that defamation should not be a criminal offence. In this context, criminal defamation cases are nothing short of a weapon in the hands of the wealthy and powerful, to silence any opposition to their actions.

Source: Mint September 13, 2020 09:32 UTC