#MeToo fallout: MJ Akbar resigns as minister of state for external affairs
TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Updated: Oct 17, 2018, 17:40 ISTHighlights
- Several women journalists have accused Akbar of sexual harassment
- Akbar said he is stepping down from office to challenge the "false" accusations against him
- "As women we feel vindicated by Akbar's resignation," said Priya Ramani, who was the first woman to report against him
NEW DELHI: MJ Akbar, who faces multiple charges of sexual harassment, on Wednesday resigned as Union minister of state for external affairs.
"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, (sic)" he said in a statement.
“I have, therefore, tendered my resignation from the office of minister of state for external affairs. I am deeply grateful to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and to the external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj for the opportunity they gave me to serve my country,” he added.
Akbar is facing allegations of sexual harassment and had on Tuesday filed a criminal defamation case against journalist Priya Ramani, who was the first to report against him.
The hearing of the case filed by the former Union minister is scheduled on Thursday, October 18.
Akbar had on Sunday rejected the allegations as "false, fabricated and deeply distressing" . Many journalists from multiple media houses have accused the minister and former editor of sexual harassment and inappropriate behaviour. The accusations have flowed from the #MeToo social media campaign against sexual misconduct.
"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, (sic)" he said in a statement.
“I have, therefore, tendered my resignation from the office of minister of state for external affairs. I am deeply grateful to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and to the external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj for the opportunity they gave me to serve my country,” he added.
Akbar is facing allegations of sexual harassment and had on Tuesday filed a criminal defamation case against journalist Priya Ramani, who was the first to report against him.
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
— Priya Ramani (@priyaramani) 1539776311000The hearing of the case filed by the former Union minister is scheduled on Thursday, October 18.
Akbar had on Sunday rejected the allegations as "false, fabricated and deeply distressing" . Many journalists from multiple media houses have accused the minister and former editor of sexual harassment and inappropriate behaviour. The accusations have flowed from the #MeToo social media campaign against sexual misconduct.
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