New Delhi: A Delhi court on Wednesday framed defamation charge against journalist Priya Ramani in a case filed by former Union minister M J Akbar after she levelled allegations of sexual misconduct against him when he was a scribe. Ramani, who appeared before Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Samar Vishal, pleaded not guilty and claimed trial.

"I plead truth as my defence, made in good faith in public interest and for the public good. I will prove my defence during the trial. I plead not guilty," she said. The court also granted a permanent exemption to Ramani from personal appearance before it after she said she has a small child to take care of. Akbar's counsel did not oppose the exemption plea. The court listed the matter for hearing on May 4.