Senior advocate Geeta Luthra, appearing for Akbar, said that if Ramani was apologetic for her allegations, she would ask him to consider closing the complaint.

Akbar had filed a defamation suit against Ramani for allegedly defaming him by accusing him of sexual misconduct

The case is at the stage of final hearing.

In 2018, journalist Priya Ramani accused Akbar of sexual misconduct around 20 years ago.

Former Union Minister M J Akbar had filed the criminal defamation complaint against journalist Priya Ramani in March 2018.

Former Union Minister M J Akbar has also been dropped from the reconstituted NMML Society.

Akbar, who appeared before Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Samar Vishal, said the allegations made by Ramani were 'malafide' and 'defamatory'.

Ramani pleaded not guilty and claimed trial in the defamation charge which was filed by ex-Union minister M J Akbar.

Court has posted for hearing defamation case filed by M J Akbar, in which Priya Ramani was summoned as accused, on April 10.

Ramani had accused Akbar of sexual misconduct around 20 years ago, which was denied by him.