Mumbai: In a significant legal victory, Mumbai-based actress Jennifer Mistry, renowned for portraying the character of Roshan Singh Sodhi in the popular television sitcom ‘Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah,’ has emerged victorious in a sexual harassment case against the show’s producer, Asit Kumar Modi. The court’s verdict, delivered on February 15, 2024, ruled in favor of Mistry, mandating Modi to settle her outstanding payments and compensate her with an additional sum of Rs 5 lakh.
Detailing the court’s decision, Mistry revealed that the ruling directed Modi to clear her pending dues, amounting to approximately Rs 25-30 lakh, and imposed an additional fine of Rs 5 lakh for harassment. However, despite the ruling being issued in February, Mistry was initially advised against disclosing the verdict to the media.
Despite the legal triumph, Mistry expressed her disappointment, citing the absence of punitive action against the show’s project head, Sohail Ramani, and executive producer, Jatin Bajaj. She emphasized that while the court’s decision validates her claims and dispels any notion of fabrication, she remains unsatisfied with the lack of comprehensive justice.
Jennifer’s legal battle commenced after she departed from ‘Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah’ in 2023, following which she lodged a complaint against Asit Kumar Modi, Sohail Ramani, and Jatin Bajaj for alleged sexual harassment within the workplace. The trio faced charges under sections 354 and 509 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), about assault or criminal force against a woman with intent to outrage her modesty.
The case’s outcome marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing discourse surrounding workplace harassment within the entertainment industry. Despite the legal vindication, Mistry’s quest for comprehensive justice underscores the necessity for systemic reforms and accountability measures to ensure a safer working environment for all individuals within the industry.
