The additional Chief Judicial Magistrate’s court in Mumbai confirmed the settlement in two separate orders, stating that “the accused is acquitted” and that the complaint was “disposed as withdrawn”, PTI reported.
Akhtar had filed a defamation complaint against Ranaut in July 2020, alleging that she had tarnished his reputation by mentioning his name in connection with the controversy surrounding actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s death. In response, Ranaut later filed a counter-complaint, accusing Akhtar of criminal intimidation and insult to modesty.
According to the mediation report submitted in court, Ranaut acknowledged that her statements in a 19 July 2020 interview has stemmed from a “misunderstanding.” She stated, “”I hereby unconditionally withdraw all the statements made by me… and I undertake not to repeat the same in future.” She further added, “I apologise for the inconvenience caused to Mr Javed Akhtar who is one of the senior-most members of the film fraternity and I have highest regards for him.”
Following this, Ranaut withdrew her complaint against Akhtar. In response, Akhtar stated in his mediation report, “In view of the statements made by Ms Kangana Ranaut, I agree to withdraw the complaint…”
Both individuals appeared before the special magistrate court in Mumbai on Friday to formally withdraw their complaints. The court, presided over by Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate AK Awari, acknowledged their statements and concluded the case.
“The statements make it clear that the parties have settled the dispute before the mediator and want to withdraw the complaints. The same is accepted and the accused (Ranaut and Akhtar) are acquitted,” read the court order.
After the court proceedings, Ranaut shared an Instagram post in which she described Akhtar as “kind and gracious” during the mediation process.
“Today, Javedji and I have resolved our legal matter (defamation case) through mediation. In the mediation Javed ji has been very kind and gracious, he also agreed to write songs for my next directorial,” she wrote.
(With PTI inputs)
