Pressure is piling on Suresh Gopi,Member of Parliament and head of Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI), for not acting against a senior official accused of sexual harassment. An internal committee found the official guilty under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention,Prohibition and Redressal) Act,2013 (POSH) way back in May 2026. Yet nothing has been done, sparking anger from the survivor and SRFTI Students’ Union.
The survivor, linked to the institute,voiced her frustration,saying she hasn't heard from authorities since committee's verdict. “I want this person fired immediately as per rules. I haven't spoken openly about the report's serious findings. Mr. Gopi or anyone from the institute hasn't answered why no action has been taken even after two months,” she said. To make matters worse, the accused was recently named a non-official member of the Organising Committee for the Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) 2026,with his name on the festival's website and booklet.
The SRFTI Students’ Union is also upset, stating the delay is troubling. They say letting someone found guilty of harassment hold a position of authority at a major Ministry event raises serious questions about the institute's accountability. “An individual found guilty by the inquiry authority continues to hold a position in a flagship Ministry event, while strict action based on the report remains pending,” the union said. They stressed that the survivor has already faced a long inquiry,and the ongoing inaction sends a discouraging message to others who might report similar cases.
The students’ union further questioned SRFTI and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting's commitment to upholding POSH Act protections. They warned that lack of decisive action not only undermines institution's integrity but also risks discouraging potential survivors from coming forward. “What message does this send to survivors who choose to report sexual harassment despite immense personal,emotional,and professional costs?” they asked.
As events unfold, pressure mounts on Gopi and SRFTI to address these serious allegations and act according to committee's findings.
