New Delhi: 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:
Oct 18, 2018 18:52 (IST)
At a press conference, MEA Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said he was not aware of any specific meeting between External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj MJ and Akbar on sexual harassment allegations against him.
Oct 18, 2018 14:28 (IST)
"I have gone through the complaint and other documents annexed. I take cognizance of the offence under section 500 of the IPC" Judge Samar Vishal
Oct 18, 2018 14:27 (IST)
Ms Luthra highlights Mr Akbar's professional history to establish his reputation, which has now been tarnished according to the complainant. "Priya Ramani has tweeted defamatory tweets against complainant. Her 2nd tweet was clearly defamatory&liked by 1200 people," she argues in court.
Oct 18, 2018 14:20 (IST)
Geeta Luthra begins reading out the tweets put out by journalist Priya Ramani indicting Mr Akbar for sexual misconduct
Oct 18, 2018 14:17 (IST)
Court begins hearing on MJ Akbar's defamation case
Oct 18, 2018 14:10 (IST)
Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Samar Vishal will be hearing the matter
Oct 18, 2018 13:55 (IST)
Senior advocate Geeta Luthra will appear for MJ Akbar in court
Oct 18, 2018 13:03 (IST)
MJ Akbar, 67, who became junior foreign minister two years ago, is the most high profile person to exit his job.
Oct 18, 2018 12:57 (IST)
Around 20 journalists had come out in Priya Ramani's support, saying she was not alone and that they would testify in court against Mr Akbar.
Oct 18, 2018 11:46 (IST)
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."
Oct 18, 2018 11:46 (IST)
MJ Akbar, a junior minister in the foreign ministry, resigned on Wednesday evening over the sexual harrassment allegations leveled against him