(With inputs from PTI and ANI.)
My statement pic.twitter.com/1W7M2lDqPN
— Priya Ramani (@priyaramani) October 15, 2018
Union Minister MJ Akbar has "given his stand" on the sexual harassment allegations against him, Union Health Minister JP Nadda said Monday.
"MJ Akbar has spoken yesterday itself. He has given his stand and he is going for a legal course of action", he said responding to questions on the issue at a press conference.
Delhi's Patiala House court has listed the matter of the defamation case filed by MJ Akbar against Priya Ramani for 18 October.
Priyata Brajabasi, formerly a reporter with Catch News initiated a change.org petition seeking MJ Akbar’s removal as Minister of State for External Affairs.
The petition asks BJP President Amit Shah to expel Akbar from the party.
Tushita Patel, a journalist, has accused MJ Akbar of sexually harassing her multiple times in the 1990s. Patel called out Akbar in an article she wrote for Scroll and narrated he experiences with Akbar.
“ When I reached your room, you were sullen, sitting there drinking tea and in a vile mood. You started yelling at me about being late, about my work. I was trying to mumble some words. Suddenly you got up, grabbed me and kissed me hard – your stale tea breath and your bristly moustache are still etched in the recesses of my memory. ” she wrote in the article.
“When you couldn’t find me, you desperately sent out a search party. At some point, someone found me. Akbar saab is looking for you. Heavy with dread, I waited till it was almost time for your flight and met you at the most public of areas in the office – near the reception. You said chirpily, “Where did you disappear? I’ve been looking for you – we have to discuss your page.” And with that you ushered me into the empty conference room, grabbed me again and kissed me,” she wrote while narrating another instance.
Nineteen women journalists who have worked with The Asian Age came out in support of their colleague Priya Ramani through a joint statement issued by them. One journalist from Deccan Chronicle, Christina Francis (2005-2011), also signed the statement.
Meenal Baghel (1993 to 1996), Manisha Pande (1993-1998), Tushita Patel (1993-2000), Kanika Gahlaut (1995-1998), Suparna Sharma (1993-1996), Ramola Talwar Badam (1994-1995), Hoihnu Hauzel (1999-2000), Aisha Khan (1995-1998) and Kushalrani Gulab (1993-1997) have signed the statement.
Kaniza Gazari (Asian Age 1995-1997), Malavika Banerjee (1995-1998), A T Jayanthi (1995-1996), Hamida Parkar (1996-1999), Jonali Buragohain, Meenakshi Kumar (1996-2000), Sujata Dutta Sachdeva (1999-2000), Reshmi Chakraborty (1996-98), Kiran Manral (1993-96) and Sanjari Chatterjee are the other journalists to sign the statement.
The journalists have urged the court to hear their testimonies against Akbar.
I worked at the Asian Age with @TushitaPatel @prernabindra @ghazalawahab @SuparnaSharma @RuthsDavid @kanikagahlaut @kadambarim @writemeenal.
— Kamlesh Singh | Bana de Lohagarh (@kamleshksingh) October 17, 2018
I trust them and believe every word they have said and stand with @priyaramani, who now faces the might of a minister of state. #TimesUp
एक तरफ नारी शक्ति की बात करते है और दूसरी तरफ @mjakbar पर उठ रहे #metoo सवालो पर @BJP4India के रवैये पर जवाब दिए बिना उल्टे पैर भाग जाते है @sambitswaraj क्या यही है भाजपा का दोहरा चरित्र ? pic.twitter.com/ob9AWRWKDv
— All India Mahila Congress (@MahilaCongress) October 17, 2018
MJ Akbar has been asked by the government to keep a senior Cabinet minister abreast of how the former is managing the 'crisis', an Economic Times report said.
When the allegations had surfaced, there was also a view to cut short his trip, sources have told ET. “There was also a view that he cut short his trip but it was shot down eventually after discussions with a senior Cabinet minister. Seniors in the government felt it would not send the proper signal to the international community if a foreign commitment is not honoured,” the source said.
An interview was also considered, but eventually a statement was released after deliberation with Akbar's counsel.
“An interview was considered, but as he got down to discuss the statement, it was felt that it was strong enough to counter the allegations.” the person was quoted by ET as saying.
The source added that the statement was toned down from what the MoS wanted as it was “too aggressive".
I have not initiated any crowdfunding initiative for my case
— Priya Ramani (@priyaramani) October 17, 2018
— M.J. Akbar (@mjakbar) October 17, 2018
As women we feel vindicated by MJ Akbar’s resignation.
— Priya Ramani (@priyaramani) October 17, 2018
I look forward to the day when I will also get justice in court #metoo
Ghazala Wahab, one of the women who had accused Akbar of sexual harassment, said that she feels ‘hugely relieved’ after the Union minister’s resignation.
The Quint reached out to Wahab following Akbar’s resignation. Here are edited excerpts from the interaction:
Do you think there was an unwarranted delay on part of the Centre?
Wahab: I don't know whether it was an unwarranted delay on part of the BJP or who else was responsible. But yes, this could have happened on Sunday, it would have been nicer, more satisfying. But better late than never.
Was it the pressure from more than 20 journalists that led to his ouster?
Wahab: Probably, what else could it be.
Is it a success of India's MeToo movement being led by female journalists of this country?
Wahab: Absoluely, this is one in a line of successes we've seen in the last few weeks. A lot of top heads have rolled in other areas also, other papers, organisations so it's part of that movement.
On the defamation suit, do you think that it will stand the scrutiny of law?
Wahab: I have no idea about law but the case has been thrust on Priya Ramani and she is not alone in this fight. All the women who have been a part of this campaign are supporting her and they will stand by her.
What led to you writing about your interaction with Akbar in the public domain almost 20 years after the incident?
Wahab: When the story started coming out on social media, I thought of adding my bit to Twitter. But I held myself back as I did not want to be a part of something which was flimsy and could not stand ground... so, I deliberated on it and lot of my former colleagues were sending me messages that I must come out with my story. And something clicked and I thought may be this is the time that I should also lend my voice to the movement... so I wrote about it.
Do you think this is just tip of iceberg, that there are more MJ Akbars lurking around as organisations didn't have a formal ICC fifteen years ago?
Wahab: Absoluely, no doubt about that.
“Opposition was asking him to resign on moral grounds. This is a right decision taken by him. The allegations against him should be properly investigated.”Ramdas Athawale, Union Minister, to ANI
In this case, #MeToo. Year: 1995, Place Taj Bengal, Kolkata. After that encounter, I declined the job offer.
— Shuma Raha (@ShumaRaha) October 8, 2018
Finally MJ Akbar has resigned. Shame on him for having delayed it for so long. The credit for the resignation goes not to the Centre or MJ Akbar but directly to the #MeToo campaign. Esp to those brave women who reported the assault & those women and men who stood by them.
— Swati Maliwal (@SwatiJaiHind) October 17, 2018
To all the women who stood testimony to the gross violations of human rights by MJ Akbar, to all the women Ministers who stood their ground and demanded his resignation, in the face of opposition from their Cabinet colleagues, I salute you.
— indira jaising (@IJaising) October 17, 2018
Additional chief metropolitan magistrate Samar Vishal will hear the defamation complaint filed by MJ Akbar against journalist Priya Ramani in the Patiala House Court on Thursday, 18 October, ANI reported.
Rekha Sharma, chief of the National Commission for Women, welcomed Akbar’s decision to resign.
Speaking to ANI, she said: “It definitely took some time because some inquiry must be going on but finally they took the decision and that is what matters. I welcome this decision as I was looking forward to it.”
So glad that Minister MJ Akbar has resigned his post. His continuation was untenable and indefensible. A big shoutout to all the brave women journalists who called him out for his alleged, sickening and exploitative behaviour towards them. #Metoo #LetTheWomenBeHeard
— Nirupama Menon Rao (@NMenonRao) October 17, 2018
On #MahaAshtami Devi Durga slays the demon...#MJAkbar gone....
— Saba Naqvi (@_sabanaqvi) October 17, 2018
Ragini Nayak, National Media Panelist, AICC, released a statement on Wednesday after Akbar’s resignation, calling it a ‘vindication of the Congress party’s unequivocal stand on the #MeToo campaign’.
“It is time for a fair trial, so that justice prevails. This country has a rule of law and any allegation levelled against anybody must pass the test of justice. We hope and wish that all the women fighting this tough battle would be heard and justice imparted,” the statement said.
It also questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his silence on the matter. “ Now that MJ Akbar has finally resigned, will the PM, Shri Narendra Modi dare to speak up?” the statement said.
“It was important that the Union minister took moral responsibility for his actions and stepped down from his post. Credit must go to the role played by the media, journalistic fraternity and civil society.”Shutapa Paul, founder-editor, NewCrop
President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday accepted the resignation of MJ Akbar from the Union Council of Ministers with immediate effect, ANI reported.
"The President of India, as advised by the Prime Minister, has accepted the resignation of MJ Akbar from the Union Council of Ministers, with immediate effect, under clause (2) of Article 75 of the Constitution," a Rashtrapati Bhavan statement said.
Akbar had tendered his resignation after several women journalists had accused him of sexual harassment.
The hearing for the private criminal defamation case filed by Union minister MJ Akbar against journalist Priya Ramani will take place at Delhi's Patiala House Court on Thursday, 18 October, at 2 pm, CNN-News18 reported. The matter will be presented before Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Samar Vishal.
Akbar is expected to be present at the hearing and will reportedly stand in the witness box to record his statement before the court, the report added.
Thanks everyone for the overwhelming response to gather at Patiala House in solidarity with @priyaramani . Now informed that Thursday only #MJAkbar deposition & Priya will not be in court. So let us save our troops for when she is summoned. Thanks again
— barkha dutt (@BDUTT) October 17, 2018
#Metoo : Also looks like #MJAkbar is not going to turn up. Under Section 200, CrPC, he doesn't have to appear if his complaint is in writing. It was earlier expected that he would be appearing before the judge to argue why the court should take cognizance. @TheQuint
— Vakasha Sachdev (@VakashaS) October 18, 2018
#MJAkbar hearing: his lawyers have finally turned up. Geeta Luthra begins her submissions. Refers to tweet by @priyaramani where she revealed her Vogue article was about Akbar. Judge wants to see what the alleged defamatory content is. @TheQuint
— Vakasha Sachdev (@VakashaS) October 18, 2018
Akbar's lawyer Geeta Luthra argued that the Patiala House court does have jurisdiction in the mater and that there are witnesses who will argue that Akbar's reputation has been tarnished. She said that at this stage all that she has to show is that Akbar's reputation has suffered, and that the allegedly defamatory remarks were read by others.
Commenting on MJ Akbar’s resignation, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said that he is not aware of a meeting between Sushma Swaraj and Akbar.
“The minister has resigned and made a statement, I have nothing else to add. He was a part of an official meeting after he arrived in India, I am not aware of any meeting between him and Sushma Swaraj,” said Kumar.
MJ Akbar's statement is being recorded at Patiala House Court in front of the magistrate in relation to his defamation complaint against Priya Ramani.
According to Bar and Bench, Akbar started off by talking about his journalistic career and went on to state how he has a reputation because of his career. He also explained why he has filed the complaint against Ramani.
MJ Akbar in his statement refered to Priya Ramani's article in Vogue (which hadn't named him), and the tweet by her where she revealed the article was in fact about him.
Akbar in his statement said that he filed a criminal defamation complaint against Ramani based on the series of tweets by her.
“I've filed criminal defamation complaint against Priya Ramani for a series of tweets that she published. First one came to my notice on my return from my official tour,” he said.
Akbar further said on Wednesday that he had stepped down as minister to "seek justice in his personal capacity", reported News18.
Notably, Priya Ramani isn't recording a statement today, nor at the next hearing. She will only have to appear once the court summons her, for which the judge will have to agree that there are grounds for prosecution.
“He ripped off my clothes and raped me. Instead of reporting him to the police, I was filled with shame. I didn’t tell anyone about this then. Would anyone have believed me? I blamed myself. Why did I go to the hotel room?”Pallavi Gogoi
Responding to The Washington Post, MJ Akbar’s lawyer has said, “My client states that these [incidents and allegations] are false and expressly denied.”
He went on to say that several people have come forward to indicate that they would be happy to bear testimony to his version of events.
Breaking her silence for the first time since accusations of misconduct and sexual harassment were levelled against MJ Akbar, his wife Mallika Akbar has refuted the rape allegations levelled by journalist Pallavi Gogoi against her husband, saying that while she doesn't know Pallavi's reasons for telling this lie, it is a lie nevertheless.
In a statement, Mallika Akbar said:
"More than twenty years ago, Pallavi Gogoi caused unhappiness and discord in our home. I learned of her and my husband's involvement through her late night phone calls and her public display of affection in my presence. In her flaunting the relationship, she caused anguish and hurt to my entire family. At an Asian Age party at our home, crowded with young journalists, I have watched with mortification and pain as they danced close. I had confronted my husband at the time and he decided to prioritize his family. Tushita Patel and Pallavi Gogoi were often at our home, happily drinking and dining with us. Neither carried the haunted look of victims of sexual assault. I don't know Pallavi's reasons for telling this lie but a lie it is."
The Bar Council of Delhi, in a letter written to Raian Karanjawala, pointed out that the Vakalatnama filed by M/S Karanjawala and Co, the legal firm representing Akbar, is not in accordance with Rule 105A of the Bar Council of Delhi Rules.
The Council secretary asked the firm to submit its explanation regarding the same within two weeks, and warned of action if it doesn't do so.
My statement: pic.twitter.com/7xoADdIHoX
— Pallavi Gogoi (@pgogoi) November 2, 2018
Editors Guild of India has issued this statement - https://t.co/xrPM0vb2jK pic.twitter.com/lCev8VWRgw
— Editors Guild of India (@IndEditorsGuild) November 2, 2018
Fresh allegations against MJ Akbar may come under the scanner of the Upper House Ethics Committee.
Committee chairman and BJP MP Narayan Lal Panchariya told The Indian Express: “If any complaint comes, we will go by the procedure and Akbar case may come on Rajya Sabha ethics panel radar take up the matter.”
A former woman colleague of journalist and politician M J Akbar told a Delhi court on Monday, 12 November that his reputation has been "destroyed" and "damaged irreparably" due to the allegations of sexual misconduct levelled by scribe Priya Ramani.
Joyeeta Basu, the editor of Sunday Guardian, who appeared as a witness to support defamation case filed by Akbar, told the court that Ramani posted all her tweets "intentionally with a purpose to harm" Akbar's "reputation and goodwill".
The court has now posted the matter for next hearing on December 7, when it is likely to record the statement of another witness named by Akbar in his complaint.
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