Union Minister MJ Akbar on Wednesday resigned from his post in the wake of serious alelgations of sexual harassment by more than 16 female journalists, who worked under him during his time as the editor of The Asian Age and The Telegraph.
In his resignation letter, Akbar wrote, “Since I have decided to seek justice in a court of law in my personal capacity, I deem it appropriate to step down from office and challenge false accusations levied against me, also in a personal capacity. I have, therefore, tendered my resignation from the office of Minister of State for External Affairs. I am deeply grateful to the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and to the External Affairs Minister Smt. Sushma Swaraj for the opportunity they gave me to serve my country.”
Earlier this week, Akbar had filed a criminal defamation case against journalist Priya Ramani for naming him as an alleged sexual predator.
Akbar had filed the criminal defamation case against Ramani in Delhi’s Patiala House Court through his advocates Karanjawala and Co. Ramani had received an unprecedented support from across India. As many as 20 journalists had volunteered to testify against Akbar.
Without naming Akbar, Ramani had said how Akbar had invited her to her hotel room for a job interview. Admitting that she was a fan of Akbar’s journalism, Ramani wrote, “It was more date, less interview. You offered me a drink from the mini bar (I refused, you drank vodka), we sat on a small table for two that overlooked the Queen’s Necklace (how romantic!) and you sang me old Hindi songs after inquiring after my musical preferences. You thought you were irresistible.”
Reacting to Akbar’s resignation, Ramani tweeted, “As women we feel vindicated by MJ Akbar’s resignation. I look forward to the day when I will also get justice in court #metoo.”