#MeToo: Mumbai Court reprimands Alok Nath over absence

Writer-producer Vinta Nanda had alleged Alok Nath of sexual harassment. She filed a complaint on Wednesday.

Alok Nath’s lawyer asked for the actor’s exemption to be present in the court, to which the defence objected stating that he is the main person and needs to be present. The court also objected to his absence and asked him to be present in the next hearing, which is slated to be held on October 25.

Vinta told ANI, “I have lodged a complaint, which has been accepted by the police. The officials have been really helpful and the process went easy and smooth.”

The court allowed writer-producer Vinta Nanda to use social media to comment on her rape and sexual assault allegations against Alok Nath.While hearing Alok Nath’s defamation suit, the court even asked the lawyers representing the actor to make necessary amendments in the suit, as there were technical errors in it.

In the wake of ongoing #MeToo movement, Cine and TV Artists Association (CINTAA) in a statement said that it has ordered a ‘high- powered committee to look into all sexual harassment complaints.’

The statement read, “Various steps are being taken to address this menace, including but not limited to spreading awareness and encouraging our members to not suffer in silence. Nationally we contribute billions of Rupees to the government’s coffers, and yet we are not even recognised as an industry.”

Also read: #MeToo: Alok Nath sues writer Vinta Nanda, demands Re 1