Akbar's continuance in the government appeared untenable in the face of growing accusations despite his filing a defamation suit against one of the accusers. "Her second tweet was clearly defamatory and liked by 1200 people".
In the wake of sexual harassment allegations under the #MeToo movement against M.J.
"The President of India, as advised by the Prime Minister, has accepted the resignation of M J Akbar from the Union Council of Ministers, with immediate effect, under clause (2) of Article 75 of the Constitution", the Rashtrapati Bhavan statement said.
In a statement, Akbar said, quoted by ANI, "Since I have chose to seek justice in a court of law in my personal capacity, I deem it appropriate to step down from office and challenge the false accusations levied against me, also in a personal capacity".
After Akbar's resignation, Ramani tweeted: "As women we feel vindicated by MJ Akbar's resignation". Ghazala Wahab, now the executive editor FORCE newsmagazine, wrote a detailed account on The Wire of her time at Asian Age, where she worked under Akbar, alleging that he molested her and harassed her repeatedly, until she could not take it any more and quit.
Luthra cited the number of likes and shares Ramani's tweet received, and also quoted reports by three publications, including Firstpost, to argue that a significant damage to her client's reputation was caused by Ramani's actions.
In her statement, Ramani said that she is ready to fight the allegations Akbar levelled against her. "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", the Guild said.
Akbar has resigned today amid accusations by at least 15 women of sexual harassment during his previous career as a news editor.
The journalists have urged the court to hear their testimonies against Akbar, claiming that some of them suffered sexual harassment by the minister and the others had been a witness to it. He said he could not respond to the charges previously as he was on an official tour.
Ms Ramani has found support with 20 women signing a petition to testify on her behalf. On Oct. 8, Ramani publicly identified Akbar as the central character of her piece.
The former prominent newspaper editor is the most high profile figure to be named in what is being called India's #MeToo movement. Tweeple have been applauding Priya Ramani and 19 other women journalists who came forward and showcased their bravery and courage in their battle.