Verdict in MJ Akbar vs #PriyaRamani criminal defamation case delayed to 17 February, because written submissions were provided to the judge too late.

Ramani's lawyers submitted theirs early. Akbar's submitted theirs one day late - on a Saturday
1/n https://www.thequint.com/news/law/delhi-court-verdict-metoo-judgment-in-mj-akbar-priya-ramani-defamation-case-verdict#read-more

This can be seen from the court's own documents. Judge gave four days on 1 Feb to submit the documents, ie Friday, 5 Feb. Akbar's lawyers submitted theirs on 6 Feb, which effectively meant 8 Feb.
2/n

Apart from their conduct, questions also need to be asked about the court's responsibility in this kind of thing. When the judge knows they can't deliver the judgment, why not inform the parties in advance? Ramani came down from Bengaluru for this.
3/n

There were other instances during the trial when adjournments were taken after the parties made an effort to be physically present.

Also speaks to a bigger question for the courts in general: what about parties who are less privileged? No thought about impact on jobs, finances?