Akbar stepped down from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's council of ministers on Wednesday, after a tidal wave of sexual harassment allegations were levelled against him under the #MeToo movement
New Delhi: The hearing of #MeToo –accused MJ Akbar’s defamation case complaint against Priya Ramani began on Thursday at Delhi’s Patiala House Court. Akbar was not present in the court and was represented by advocate Geeta Luthra.
The court has agreed to record Akbar’s statement on October 31.
Ramani, a journalist, was the first among many women who accused Akbar of sexual misconduct.
Akbar stepped down from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's council of ministers on Wednesday, after a tidal wave of sexual harassment allegations were levelled against him under the #MeToo movement.
In his brief statement following the resignation, he said, "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".
Ramani said that she feels ‘vindicated’ after the Union minister resigned from his post. However, she added that she is now awaiting justice in court.
Akbar had earlier rubbished all allegations made against him and said, “The allegations of misconduct made against me are false and fabricated, spiced up by innuendo and malice. Accusation without evidence has become a viral fever among some sections”.
The Editor’s Guild of India issued a statement on Thursday asking former president Akbar to withdraw the defamation case.
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