#MeToo: Editors Guild asks MJ Akbar to withdraw defamation case against Priya Ramani

The Editors Guild of India on Thursday, October 18 called upon BJP leader MJ Akbar to withdraw the criminal defamation complaint against journalist Priya Ramani, who accused him of sexual harassment in wake of #MeToo. MJ Akbar, a former president of the guild, resigned from his post of minister of state for external affairs on Wednesday after 16 women accused him of sexual harassment and misconduct in the past.

“We hope that Mr Akbar will also display the grace to withdraw the criminal defamation case he has filed against one of these complainants. While Mr Akbar is entitled to all legal instruments available to a citizen to seek vindication, it would be paradoxical for a veteran editor to employ the instrument of criminal defamation. More so for Mr Akbar who happens to be a former president of the Guild,” said the statement.

Over sixteen women journalists who have accused Akbar have said that they stand by their allegations even though he has threatened legal action. The guild said it would offer its support to Ramani, and to other complainants too if Akbar files a defamation complaint against them as well. “If any of them were to need legal advice or assistance, the guild will do the best it can to help and also appeal to eminent lawyers to represent them pro bono,” it added.

The guild also praised the women journalists who spoke out about Akbar and the alleged sexual harassment. “The resignation of Mr MJ Akbar from the Union council of ministers is a result of these women journalists’ courage to fight for a high principle: gender equality in the newsroom,” it said.