The Editors Guild of India on Thursday asked MJ Akbar to withdraw the criminal defamation case he filed against journalist Priya Ramani, as the top editors’ body came out in support of the women journalists. The Guild also offered legal support to women journalists who have levelled the allegations against Akbar in case he does not withdraw the present case or files such cases against other women too.
The Guild’s support for the women came a day after Akbar stepped down as the Minister of State for External Affairs in the face of mounting pressure following allegations of sexual harassment against him by several women journalists.
In a statement, the Guild said it salutes the courage shown by several women journalists in bringing to light instances of how they were sexually harassed. While 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, the Guild said, adding that, “more so for Akbar who happens to be a former president of the Guild”.