Latest news with #InternalComplaintsCommittee
Mint
a day ago
- Business
- Mint
Sexual harassment at workplace? Court says no, asks company to rehire manager who got fired for kissing female colleague
A senior manager in eastern China, identified as Lin, was fired in 2015 for allegedly hugging and kissing a female colleague, Shi, on the office stairs. His company claimed it was sexual harassment and misuse of authority. It used CCTV footage as proof to fire the senior manager. Lin denied the charges and dragged the company to court. The first court supported the company, saying Lin broke executive conduct rules. However, Lin appealed. While the case is from 2017, the summary has now been released by the Shanghai General Trade Union during a labour law awareness campaign. It has not been disclosed why it took such a long time to release the case details. The alleged victim of the case spoke in Lin's favour. Shi told the court they used to share a good relationship and Lin never misused power. A higher court ruled in Lin's favour, saying the company must rehire him and pay compensation for his lost salary. Lin's annual salary was ₹ 1.34 crore (1.13 million yuan) per year. The court accepted that the act wasn't harassment. The higher court said the company gave no proof that Lin had gained personal benefits from his position. Also, it noted that the company's call for high moral standards was not an official rule. It ruled Lin's firing was not legally justified. The company's name was not revealed during the release of the summary. The marital status of those involved remains unknown as well. If a case like Lin's happened in India, it would be handled differently. In India, such matters are guided by the POSH Act (2013), which ensures a fair internal investigation before any action is taken. The company must involve an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC). It cannot take action on its own, like in China. If the woman says the act was not harassment or misuse of power, the ICC may close the case without punishment. However, the act could still be seen as unprofessional in India's conservative work culture. Public affection, even if friendly, may attract criticism. If the man were wrongly dismissed, he could challenge the decision in court. Compensation or reinstatement is possible. However, such cases often take years in India. Trade unions may support the employee. But, their influence is weaker in the private sector.
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Dharma Productions issues statement after sexual misconduct allegations against ‘Homebound' cinematographer Pratik Shah
A day after sexual misconduct allegations surfaced against Homebound cinematographer Pratik Shah, production banner Dharma Productions issued a statement, distancing itself from the controversy and reasserting its stance against sexual harassment at the workplace. Shah, who recently attended the Cannes premiere of Homebound, has been accused of predatory and inappropriate behaviour towards multiple women. He was outed online in a post by filmmaker Abhinav Singh, who has based his claims on testimonials of around 20 women. Homebound, shot by Shah, is directed by Neeraj Ghaywan (Masaan) and produced by Dharma Productions. A story of friendship and resilience, the film stars Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor. The Karan Johar-led banner said in it's statement, 'At Dharma Productions we have a zero tolerance policy against inappropriate behaviour and sexual harassment towards any individual working with us in any capacity, and we treat sexual harassment cases very seriously. The POSH-mandated Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) at Dharma did not receive any complaints against Shah during his association on Homebound, the statement said. 'Mr. Pratik Shah was a freenlancer on the project Homebound and was working on it for a limited period. His engagement with us has been completed. During this limited period our internal committee for POSH didn't receive any complaints against him from any cast or crew on our film 'Homebound',' the statement read. ALSO READ: Interview | Basharat Peer on the story that became 'Homebound' Besides Homebound, Pratik Shah has shot CTRL, Jubilee and other titles. According to a report in THR India, four years ago, a young female cinematographer had approached the Indian Women Cinematographers' Collective (IWCC) with a complaint against Shah after he solicited a nude picture. The publication also accessed the testimonials corroborating Abhinav Singh's claims. The women reached to Singh with accounts of Shah's 'creepy' behaviour, with some labelling him a 'predator'. Shah has not responded to the allegations. He has deactivated his Instagram account since May 30, 2025 (Friday).
New Indian Express
24-05-2025
- New Indian Express
Chennai dental college HoD suspended over sexual harassment complaints
Under the circumstances, the order said it is necessary to place the professor under suspension from service under sub-rule (e)(1)(i) of Rule 17 of the Tamil Nadu Civil Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, with immediate effect and until further orders, pending the framing of charges. The HoD has also been instructed not to leave the headquarters in Chennai without obtaining prior permission from the concerned authority, the order further stated. Meanwhile, sources said the State Women's Rights Commission conducted a two-hour inquiry on Friday with the college principal regarding the functioning of the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) and related matters. On May 19, The New Indian Express was the first to report on the year-long delay in investigating the complaints. The Directorate of Medical Education and Research has since formed a three-member committee to investigate and submit a report within seven days.
Pink Villa
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Producer exposes dark truth about drug culture in Malayalam cinema: 'Separate rooms are allotted for this purpose'
Trigger Warning: This article contains references to drug addiction. Drug use in the Malayalam film industry has long been a matter of speculation. However, the issue gained serious attention when actor Vincy Aloshious accused Shine Tom Chacko of harassment under the influence. Though no legal action followed, the incident reignited debate. In 2023, Sandra Thomas called out rampant drug use. Two years later, she believes the problem remains unchecked and may have become even more widespread. Speaking to Onmanorama, the producer revealed some disturbing trends that still take place in the Malayalam film industry. Sandra Thomas expressed that film associations should have taken a clear stand against drug use in cinema years ago. She pointed out that many people on film sets are well aware of the issue. However, no one acted because they still wanted to work with those involved. She alleged that now special budgets and rooms are even allocated for drug use. In her words, "A special budget is being allotted exclusively for this. Even separate rooms are allotted for this purpose. However, the associations say the entire industry cannot be blamed just because of one or two people." She mentioned hearing Listin recently make such a statement and questioned whether people like him are truly unaware. Sandra claimed drugs are now openly available on sets and used by people of all genders and statuses. "Producers are unwilling to raise a complaint because of fear it will stall their projects. If someone is caught on the sets, the shooting gets stalled. It also ruins the goodwill of the actor. What is the point in doing a movie with him if his goodwill is lost?" Sandra added. The producer also highlighted the importance of having women producers in the Internal Complaints Committee on film sets. She believes their presence would help ensure quicker action and fair justice for victims of sexual harassment.
Hindustan Times
19-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Delhi: Ramjas College professor ‘bound by law,' probe on in Pocso case
Twelve days after Delhi Police registered a case against a Delhi University (DU) professor for allegedly sexually assaulting a minor student, investigators working on the case confirmed on Monday that the accused has been 'bound down by law' and the probe is nearing completion. Deputy commissioner of police (North) Raja Banthia confirmed the legal action, which requires the professor to appear before investigators or court whenever summoned. Banthia refrained from sharing further details as the investigation in the case in underway. The first information report (FIR) was lodged on May 7 under sections 10 (aggravated sexual assault) and 12 (sexual harassment) of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act, and sections 74 (outraging modesty of a woman) and 79 (words or gestures to outrage a woman's modesty) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, according to a police officer aware of the case details. 'The professor complied with our notice to join the investigation and has been legally bound to participate in further proceedings,' the police officer cited above said. The officer, who asked not to be identified, added that investigators have recorded the victim's statement before a magistrate and are awaiting the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) report before filing a chargesheet. The case stems from a December 2023 complaint filed by a Ramjas College student alleging sexual harassment by the professor on December 2. Members of the college student union had said that this wasn't the first complaint against the teacher, with at least three prior allegations, including a major 2021 case that was withdrawn. Following student protests in January 2024, the professor resigned on January 8 and was suspended from teaching for six weeks. While unavailable for comment on recent developments, in December 2024, he had denied any wrongdoing and said that the case is a 'conspiracy' linked to disagreements with colleagues over academic issues. 'The Internal Complaints Committee has advised that the professor stay off campus and refrain from teaching while the inquiry is under way,' Ramjas College principal Ajay Kumar Arora told HT. 'The ICC will submit its final report once proceedings are complete,' Arora said, declining to comment on any police action.
