Sunday, March 6 2005 19:46 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

London: Outraged over what he termed as "malicious" reports in two British papers that he had fathered the second child of Kimberley Quinn, former Home Secretary David Blunkett's ex-lover, M J Akbar, editor of a leading Indian daily, has slapped legal notices on them seeking substantial damages, apology and retraction.

"Legal notices have been issued to all these papers. We are taking substantive action against anyone who has named me and who has indulged in the malicious, defamatory and false accusation," Akbar told reporters when asked about the allegation.

His lawyer in London, Bhadresh Gohil said notices had been sent yesterday (Mar 5, 2005) to 'The Mail on Sunday', 'The Sunday Mail', 'The Sunday Telegraph' and 'The Sunday Times' asking them to refrain from publishing or printing Akbar's name.

While The Sunday Times and The Sunday Telegraph complied with the notice, the other two publications did not, Gohil said.

"Now, we will be issuing proceedings against the two papers for substantial damages, apology and retraction," he said.

Blunkett resigned as Home Secretary in December after it emerged that he fast-tracked a visa application for Quinn's nanny. He has been proven by a DNA test to be the father of Quinn's first child, William and is taking legal action to gain access to the boy.

Asked whether he knew Quinn, Akbar said "she has been a friend and a colleague for long. Of course I know her."

"There is absolutely no basis for the allegation," he said.

Akbar also said he was not in London in May last year when Quinn conceived the second baby. "I was busy with the general elections".