New Delhi:The Editors Guild of India (EGI) on Thursday said the resignation of union minister MJ Akbar is a ‘result of several women journalists’ courage to fight for a high principle—gender equality in the newsroom.’
In a statement, EGI said it saluted the courage shown by several women journalists in bringing to light instances of how they were sexually harassed.
“We hope that Mr Akbar will also display the grace to withdraw the criminal defamation case he has filed against one of these complainants. 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 EGI statement said.
The guild said said but ‘if Akbar doesn’t, or in case he files such cases against other women too, the journalists’ body 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 added.