MJ Akbar, whose tenure as India’s junior foreign minister came under a cloud after a series of sexual harassment allegations by several women journalists, has resigned.

"Since I have decided to seek justice in a court of law in my personal capacity, I deem it appropriate to step down from office and challenge false accusations levied against me, also in a personal capacity. I have, therefore, tendered my resignation from the office of minister of state for external affairs," Akbar said in a statement.

"I am deeply grateful to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and to the external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj for the opportunity they gave me to serve my country," he added.

On Monday, Akbar had filed a criminal defamation case against journalist Priya Ramani for accusing him of sexual harassment and misconduct.

Several complaints of sexual harassment and other forms of sexual misconduct have been levelled online in recent days against Akbar during his days as a prominent editor.

Akbar's resignation was a political call taken at the highest level and the meeting with national security advisor (NSA) was part of that process, said sources familiar with the matter.

As more women were speaking out each day and allegations against Akbar were mounting the government realised that he was becoming a liability, the sources privy to the matter told CNBC-TV18.

Akbar had on Sunday rejected the allegations of sexual misconduct levelled against him by several women as "false, fabricated and deeply distressing".

Women working in media across the country have been sharing their experiences of sexual harassment and abuse in posts to Facebook and Twitter, using the hashtag #MeToo.

Besides journalists, the #MeToo wave has called out prominent actors, movie directors, comedians and other public figures for alleged sexual misconduct.

Follow our complete coverage of #MeToo here

First Published:Oct 17, 2018 4:51 PM IST