Journalist Priya Ramani reacts to MJ Akbar's resignation, says, 'As women, we feel vindicated'

Minutes after MJ Akbar stepped down as MoS, External Affairs, journalist Priya Ramani, who was the first to accuse the former journalist of sexual misconduct, said, “As women, we feel vindicated by MJ Akbar’s resignation.”

“I look forward to the day when I will also get justice in court,” she added.

READ | MJ Akbar Resigns As MoS, MEA After Being Asked To Quit By The Government. Read His Resignation Letter Here

MJ Akbar had filed a criminal defamation case against journalist Priya Ramani on October 15.

Additional chief metropolitan magistrate Samar Vishal will be hearing the defamation complaint of M J Akbar against journalist Priya Ramani in Patiala House Court on Thursday.

Delhi Commission for Women Chief Swati Maliwal also reacted to the resignation and hailed the women who ‘reported the assault and those women and men who stood by them’, crediting them for MJ Akbar’s resignation.

READ | A Day After Denying Allegations Of Harassment Against Him, MoS MJ Akbar Files Defamation Case Against Journalist Priya Ramani

Meanwhile, another victim has come out and named MJ Akbar while welcoming his resignation. Journalist Ruth David while welcoming his resignation, said, “India's junior foreign minister MJ Akbar resigns after over a dozen women accused him of sexual harassment and inappropriate behavior. I was one of those women and I stand by my story and with those who spoke up. We raise our voices now so others will not experience what we did.”

Several journalists who had named MJ Akbar accusing him of sexual misconduct have also expressed their happiness as he stepped down as MoS, MEA.

MJ Akbar was allegedly asked to quit by the Government amid massive pressure by women journalists for his ouster."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,"wrote MJ Akbar in his resignation letter.

READ | MJ Akbar Harassed Me More Than Once: Another Journalist Accuses Mos External Affairs Of Misconduct

Earlier in the day, 20 women journalists came forward in support of journalist Priya Ramani, who has been sued by MoS External Affairs MJ Akbar. Issuing a statement, the journalists said that Ramani is not alone in her fight and that they are ready to testify against MJ Akbar.

Several journalists have accused MJ Akbar of sexual misconduct. It began with a post by journalist Priya Ramani, who was the first one to call out MJ Akbar and accuse him of inappropriate behaviour. After her post, several other women spoke out and accused MJ Akbar of sexual harassment.

With her tweet, Ramani had shared a link to her 2017 article, wherein she accused him of behaving inappropriately. Though, back then Ramani didn’t name him. However, in her tweet, she outed Akbar and also spilled the beans on why she didn’t reveal his name when she wrote the article.