#MeToo movement: Union Minister MJ Akbar resigns

New Delhi: Following a spate of sexual harassment allegations, Union Minister of State for External Affairs (MEA) MJ Akbar resigned from his post today.

The resignation came a day before a Delhi court is to take up the defamation case filed by Akbar against one of the journalists.

Earlier on Monday, Akbar had filed a private criminal defamation complaint against journalist Priya Ramani.

In a brief statement, Akbar said he had decided to seek justice in a court of law in his 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...," Akbar said

He also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj for giving him the opportunity to serve the country.

Over the last fortnight, about 20 women including Ghazala Wahab, Shuma Raha, Anju Bharti and Shutapa Paul have come forward to narrate their experiences of alleged sexual harassment at the hands of Akbar.

#MJAkbar resigns from his post of Minister of State External Affairs MEA. pic.twitter.com/dxf4EtFl5P

— ANI (@ANI) October 17, 2018

(With Agency inputs)