Editors Guild says it will help complainants get legal aid if M.J. Akbar does not withdraw case against journalist Priya Ramani or files similar cases against others.
New Delhi: The Editors Guild of India pledges its support to the women who spoke up against former Union minister M.J. Akbar and urges him to withdraw the defamation case that he filed against journalist Priya Ramani, one of the complainants.
The Patiala House Court in Delhi starts hearing the case from Thursday.
Akbar, who has been accused of sexual harassment by at least 20 women journalists, resigned as Minister of State for External Affairs Wednesday.
“While Mr 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. More so for Mr Akbar who happens to be a former president of the Guild,” the Guild said in a statement issued Thursday.
However, if he does not withdraw the case, or files similar cases against other women, the Guild promises to do its best to help them avail of legal advice or assistance. It will also “appeal to eminent lawyers to represent them pro bono,” the statement reads.
Editors Guild of India has issued a statement on MJ Akbar issue. Read the full text here https://t.co/xrPM0vb2jK pic.twitter.com/PDywGz8A5j
— Editors Guild of India (@IndEditorsGuild) October 18, 2018
In a previous statement, the Guild had taken cognisance of the raging #MeToo movement in the media and condemned “all predatory conduct by such men”.
The statement, issued on 9 October, said, “The Editors Guild of India has noted with concern and dismay the incidence of alleged sexual harassment and assault on women journalists by their male colleagues. It unequivocally condemns all predatory conduct by such men.”
Also read: MJ Akbar: The brilliant editor who’s now seen as India’s most high-profile sexual predator
It also stressed on the need to protect the newsroom as a “relatively informal, free-spirited and hallowed space”.
“This is the time for all of us to strengthen our internal processes. It includes training of staff and improving awareness, as mandated by the law and even beyond,” the Guild said.
Anybody found guilty of sexual harassment or assault should be punished as provided in the law, it said.
In the statement issued Thursday, the Guild lauded the courage shown by these women journalists in bringing to light instances of sexual misconduct by Akbar.
“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,” the statement read.