M.J. Akbar, the former editor and minister whom several women have accused of sexually harassing them, on Saturday recorded his statement and was cross-examined in the defamation case he has filed against journalist Priya Ramani.

Akbar, who appeared before additional chief metropolitan magistrate Samar Vishal, said the allegations made by Ramani were 'malafide' and 'defamatory'. Senior advocate Rebecca John, appearing for Ramani, cross examined Akbar on details regarding Ramani joining The Asian Age. Akbar responded to most of the questions with ' I do not remember'.

Akbar, who resigned as Union minister on October 17 last year, had filed a private criminal defamation complaint against Ramani after his name cropped up on social media as the #MeToo campaign raged on in India.

Ramani had mentioned Akbar in the context of sexual misconduct faced by several women journalists when Akbar was their superior in various news publications.

Akbar has denied the accusations.

The court has posted the matter for the next hearing on May 20.