#MeToo: MJ Akbar moves court against scribe

New Delhi: Union minister M J Akbar Monday filed a private criminal defamation complaint against journalist Priya Ramani who recently levelled charges of sexual misconduct against him as the #MeToo campaign raged in India.

The Minister of State for External Affairs has accused Ramani of "wilfully, deliberately, intentionally and maliciously" defaming him and has sought her prosecution under the penal provision on defamation.

Youth Cong demands resignation

The Youth Congress activists Monday staged a protest near the residence of Union minister MJ Akbar, demanding his "immediate resignation" over allegations of sexual misconduct by several female journalists.

The activists gathered at Teen Murti roundabout raised slogans against the junior foreign minister and tried to march towards his residence when they were stopped by the police.

A few protesters who tried to march ahead towards police barricades were removed.

"The Indian Youth Congress (IYC) is protesting against M J Akbar for his sexual misconduct and harassment of journalists. As many as ten female journalists have come forward and detailed sexual harassment by him," said a statement of the outfit.

The ruling coalition of NDA led by the BJP which had made tall promises of "Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao" cannot and must not be allowed to shield a man of "questionable conduct," it said.