MJ Akbar, who has filed a defamation suit against one of the multiple women, will record his statement on October 31. A Delhi court hearing the case agreed that there is merit in the arguments and a defamation case can be heard. The judge, Samar Vishal, has asked that Mr Akbar -- who was not absent today -- present himself in court on October 31 and record his statement. MJ Akbar has filed a defamation case against journalist Priya Ramani, the first woman to name him in the growing #MeToo movement in India. Ms Ramani is one of the 20 women who have accused him of sexual harassment during his stint with The Telegraph and the Asian Age, where he worked as an editor.
Mr Akbar has accused Ms Ramani of "intentionally putting forward malicious, fabricated and salacious" allegations to harm his reputation.
The editor-turned-politician has been called out by multiple women over the past few days. Resigning as Minister of State for External Affairs on Wednesday evening, he said: "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."
Mr Akbar's name first surfaced on October 8.
Here are the updates on the story:
This is in view of the fact that political parties employ a large number of personnel, including women, in their offices. It is our prerogative to ensure that women enjoy a safe working environment.
- Maneka Gandhi (@Manekagandhibjp) October 18, 2018
⚡️ 67-year-old #MJAkbar, who became junior foreign minister two years ago, is the most high profile person to exit his job as India catches up with the #MeToo campaign.https://t.co/KkyAqABpjU
- NDTV (@ndtv) October 18, 2018
