MJ Akbar resigns to challenge ‘false accusations’ in a personal capacity

Facing accusations of sexual misconduct and harassment by multiple women journalists, Union Minister MJ Akbar has tendered his resignation.

In his statement, Akbar 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. I have, therefore, tendered my resignation from the office of Minister of State for External Affairs. I am deeply grateful to the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and to the External Affairs Minister Smt. Sushma Swaraj for the opportunity they gave me to serve my country.”

Accusations against Akbar started surfacing October 8 onwards, after journalist Priya Ramani shared her account. Sharing a 2017 piece that she wrote for Vogue, Ramani stated: “I began this piece with my MJ Akbar story. Never named him because he didn’t “do” anything. Lots of women have worse stories about this predator.”

Following Ramani’s account, several other women came forward. Akbar filed a criminal defamation complaint against Ramani two days ago, and the case is likely to come up for hearing tomorrow.