#MeToo: Subhash Ghai not guilty

With filmmaker Subhash Ghai’s being given a clean chit by the Mumbai police in the sexual harassment allegation levelled against him by Kate Sharma, the industry desires to put a stop to false allegations.

While Ghai refrained from any comments (apparently he plans a massive defamation lawsuit against his accuser), one of his closest friend wonders who will pay for his damaged reputation. “Subhash Ghai has suffered a lot in the last month when the allegation against him hit home. Many of his closest friends chose to distance themselves from him. His wife and daughter were shocked, humiliated and refused to step out of the house. Though his name has been cleared, it will take a long time for the tarnished reputation to restore.”

Ashoke Pandit, chief advisor of the Federation Of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) feels the accuser must be punished if her allegations are proven wrong. “If the complaint is proved false, then I strongly feel that the complainant should be punished for destroying the image of somebody who has a position and standing in the society,” he says, adding, “The trauma Mr Ghai and his family underwent during this period is horrific. Playing with somebody's respect and dignity should not be allowed. I also fear that the real victims will suffer because of such false complainants.”

General Secretary of the Cine  & TV Artistes Association (CINTAA), Sushant Singh believes collateral damage in a movement such as the MeToo is inevitable. “False accusations are a reality, be it murder, theft, dowry-act or rape. The only future deterrent is strict punishment and speedy trial. If any bright minds have a better solution, I am all yours. But let's not make it a battle between the innocent and the perpetrator. The movement can’t be held responsible for mal-intentions of a few individuals.”

However, Sushant is of the opinion that the bogus accusers must be strongly discouraged.  “There should be strict action against people who are trying to misuse the MeToo Movement. That’s why strict action against false accusations, that’s how crime and punishment works. Nobody can undo the damage done. What about the damage all the victims have suffered?”.