LONDON, 15 July 2005 — The Mail on Sunday has apologized to Mallika and M.J. Akbar for stories they ran about the latter’s relationship with Mrs. Kimberly Quinn, and accepted that “sufficient credence was not given to your (the Akbars’) version of events.” It has also agreed to pay costs.
In a letter to M.J. Akbar, editor in chief of The Asian Age and the Deccan Chronicle, John Wellington, managing editor, The Mail on Sunday, said: “I am writing to confirm that we have absolutely no reason to believe there is any truth in the rumor and apologize to you for any inconvenience.”
In a separate letter to Mallika Akbar, Wellington said: “I am writing to apologize for any upset that was caused to you by our recent visit and the article that appeared in ‘The Mail on Sunday.’”
He added: “Our front page headline referred to a ‘smear’ and spoke of dirty tricks. The article inside made clear that the rumors were untrue. We considered there was a public interest in reporting the matter given the extensive coverage which has been given in this country to the story of (David) Blunkett and his affair. We were grateful to you and your husband for your openness in responding to our questions and, once again, I apologize for any upset that you have suffered.”
The unequivocal settlement followed a vigorous defamation action against The Mail on Sunday, which was successfully handled by Bhadresh Gohil, a founding partner of Arlingtons Sharmas, solicitors, based in Mayfair, London.
Gohil said: “It is a resounding victory for my client. The allegations in the article were totally and utterly untrue and should never have been published. I am delighted that this matter is concluded, a cloud has been lifted over my clients reputation.”
This case is another success for Bhadresh Gohil who regularly handles high profile and complex matters and is regarded as one of the leading Asian lawyers in London.
