Guild India Editor’s Asks Akbar To Withdraw Defamation Case
"We hope that Mr Akbar will also display the grace to withdraw the criminal defamation case he has filed against one of these complainants,"
Mumbai : On Thursday M J Akbar was asked to withdraw the criminal defamation case against journalist Priya Ramani, by the Editors of Guild India. As the top body came out in the support of the journalist who accused M J for sexual harassment.
The women journalist were offered the legal support from the Guild those who alleged Akbar in case he does not withdraw the present case or the files such cases against other women too.
A day after Akbar stepped down from the post of Minister the Guild came out for the support the women journalist, as they were facing the pressure following allegations of sexual harassment against him by several women journalists.
The statement released by the Guild which stated that we salute the courage shown by the several women out their in bringing to light instances of how they were sexually harassed.
“The resignation of Mr M. J Akbar from Union council of ministers is a result of these women journalists’ courage to fight for a high principle: gender equality in the newsroom.
“We hope that Mr Akbar will also display the grace to withdraw the criminal defamation case he has filed against one of these complainants,” it said.
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 Mr Akbar who happens to be a former president of the Guild”.
“But if he doesn’t, or in case he files such cases against other women too, the Guild offers its support to them. 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,” the statement said.
(WithPTIinputs)
