New Delhi, December 12: The Editors Guild of India on Wednesday suspended the membership of former Tehelka editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal and journalist-turned-politician M.J. Akbar, over the allegations of sexual misconduct. This comes a week after the Guild put their names in its recently updated list of its member which included Tejpal, Akbar and senior journalist Gautam Adhikari, evoking outrage from the media body for their removal. #MeToo Row: Now, MJ Akbar Accused by CNN Reporter of 'Forcefully Kissing' Her When She Was 18.

The Guild in a statement said, "A majority of the members suggested that the membership of Akbar should be suspended. The majority view is that Akbar should be suspended from the Guild till such time that the court case he has filed is concluded." Tarun Tejpal Rape Case: Goa Court to Start Hearing Case Against Ex-Tehelka Editor-in-Chief Today.

Accused of sexual misconduct by many former colleagues, Akbar has stepped down as the minister of State for External Affairs in October. The allegations were levelled upon Akbar when the #MeToo movement in India was at its peak. Journalist Priya Ramani was the first to level misconduct allegations on Akbar, against who he later filed a defamation case.

While Former Tehelka editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal has also been accused of sexual harassment by a former colleague in Goa. According to the complainant, Tejpal had sexually assaulted her in the elevator of the hotel in Goa. She further said Tejpal had repeated his advances the next evening as well. Meanwhile, trail in Akbar, Tejpal rape case is still on.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 12, 2018 11:14 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).