After the shocking revelations made by Tanushree Dutta about how she was manhandled and intimidated by Nana Patekar on the sets of 2008 movie Horn Ok Pleasssss, many Bollywood celebrities have come out in support for Tanushree. And now, finally, after the back and forth between Tanushree’s supporters and the others, the Cine And TV Artistes Association has condemned the act of harassment in an official statement released on Tuesday.
CINTAA strongly condemns any act that outrages the modesty of any individual and any form of sexual harassment is unacceptable to us.
It further added that the decision taken by CINTAA in 2008 was not appropriate.
After going through Tanushree Dutta’s complaint, which was filed with the then Executive Committee of CINTAA in March 2008, we feel that the decision was taken in the Joint Dispute Settlement Committee of CINTAA and Indian Film and TV Producers Council (which was then known as Association of Motion Pictures and TV Programme Producers) in July 2008 was not appropriate, as the chief grievance of sexual harassment wasn’t even addressed.
Tanushree had first spoken out about the harassment she faced back in 2008 itself but to no avail.
CINTAA officials have further urged people to come and report such incidents immediately after it has taken place.
Unfortunately, CINTAA’s constitution bars us from taking up any case which is more than three years old. Hence, we appeal to the authorities to take cognizance of Ms Dutta’s statements and conduct an impartial and speedy enquiry so that truth and justice may prevail.
While CINTAA won’t be able to take any action after so many years, it is a step in the right direction that they have at least appealed the authorities to find out the truth and bring about justice in the case.