While FIRE acknowledges progress in tackling sexual harassment in KFI, it raises concerns about the committee's composition, questioning its ability to meet the requirements set by the Prevention of Sexual Harassment Act (POSH)
Published Jan 22, 2025 | 7:06 PM ⚊ Updated Jan 22, 2025 | 7:06 PM
FIRE responds to Karnataka film industry’s new Internal Complaints Committee (ICC)
The Film Industry for Rights & Equality (FIRE) has issued a formal response to the newly-formed Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) established by the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC), following its recognition by the Karnataka State Women’s Commission.
While FIRE acknowledges the progress made toward addressing sexual harassment in the Kannada Film Industry (KFI), the organisation has raised serious concerns about the committee’s composition and its ability to meet the requirements of the Prevention of Sexual Harassment Act (POSH).
According to FIRE’s letter, since its inception in 2017, it has been at the forefront of advocating for a government-sanctioned ICC within KFI, and has itself established the Indian film industry’s first ICC under POSH.
The recent formation of KFCC’s 7-member ICC was welcomed by the Karnataka State Women’s Commission, led by Dr. Nagalakshmi Choudhary, as a step toward eradicating sexual harassment in the industry.
However, FIRE has pointed out that the new committee falls short of critical POSH guidelines.
Film Industry for Rights & Equality (FIRE) is an advocacy organisation dedicated to promoting gender equality, dignity, and justice within the Indian film industry.
FIRE works to ensure that film industries across India adhere to legal standards and create safe, inclusive environments for all professionals.
POSH mandates that at least half of the members on an ICC be women and that at least two members possess experience in gender rights or legal expertise to ensure the committee is equipped to handle sensitive cases.
FIRE has expressed concern that the current 7-member ICC includes only two women, far fewer than the required four.
Additionally, the committee includes individuals who, according to FIRE, have actively opposed gender justice within the KFI in recent months.
FIRE argues that such members—particularly those who have been supportive of sexual harassment perpetrators—are unfit to serve on the ICC.
According to FIRE, their involvement in the committee compromises its ability to impartially address complaints or provide justice to victims of sexual harassment and the so-called ‘casting couch’ culture in KFI.
In its statement, FIRE has called on the Karnataka State Women’s Commission to review the composition of the newly-formed ICC and ensure that its members meet the criteria laid out under the POSH guidelines.
The organisation has emphasised that any committee, no matter how well-intentioned, is only as effective as its members, and has urged the inclusion of individuals who truly reflect the values of gender equality and justice.
FIRE’s letter concludes with a request for the Karnataka State Women’s Commission to seriously consider its concerns and take action to ensure the new ICC adheres to the principles of fairness and gender dignity, providing a meaningful path for addressing sexual harassment in the Kannada Film Industry.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
