Editors Guild of India suspends membership of MJ Akbar, Tarun Tejpal over sexual misconduct allegation

A number of female journalists have levelled allegations of sexual misconduct on Akbar, as a part of #MeToo movement, while Tejpal is facing rape charges and is currently out on bail.

FILE PHOTO-Union minister M J Akbar (L), who is facing allegations of sexual harassment by a number of women journalists, at his residence in New Delhi/ Courtesy: PTI

New Delhi: Memberships of former Union minister M J Akbar and former editor-in-chief of Tehelka Tarun Tejpal were suspended by the Editors Guild of India over allegations of sexual misconduct. A number of female journalists have levelled allegations of sexual misconduct on Akbar, as a part of #MeToo movement, while Tejpal is facing rape charges and is currently out on bail. The Guild decided to drop their memberships after several of its members called for their removal after the Guil put out an updated list of members which included the names of Akbar, Tejpal and senior journalist Gautam Adhikari. The Guild had sought the views of its Executive Committee (EC) on what action should be taken against Akbar. A majority of the EC members suggested that Akbar and Tejpal's memberships be suspended. Akbar is an inactive member of the Guild at present. He has been one of its past presidents. Akbar has been suspended till the time the court case that he has filed is concluded. He stepped down from the post of Minister of State for External Affairs in the wake of the allegations. He had filed a criminal defamation case against journalist Priya Ramani over allegations she made against him. The Guild office-bearers decided that Tejpal too should be suspended from it. However, on membership of senior journalist Adhikari, the Guild decided to seek his response before taking a decision. The Guild offered legal support to women journalists who have levelled the allegations against Akbar in case he did not withdraw the case against Ramani or files such cases against other women.