Bombay High Court says don’t want anyone to shoot off victims’ shoulders #MeToo

The Bombay High Court on Friday suggested that the MeToo movement is for victims to come out and complain. It said that the movement should not be taken over by others, and that there is a need for guidelines in this regard.

Justice SJ Kathawala, while hearing a defamation suit filed by Bollywood director Vikas Bahl against his former partners Anurag Kashyap and Vikram Motawane, said, "I don't want anyone to shoot off the victims' shoulders. I don't want the victim to be used by anyone."

Bahl has filed a suit claiming a compensation of Rs 10 crore from his former partners. The court also commented on the way our society has been functioning. It said, "Society will have to draw a line somewhere."

The victim, who was directed to be made party in the suit, informed the court that, "She is not desirous to pursue the case, already for three years she has suffered a lot at the hands of plaintiff (Bahl)." The court said, "If the girl says I don't want to pursue, then it has to stop. Whoever (Bahl-Kashyap-Motwane), had to settle scores should do it outside." The court has now posted the matter for further hearing on October 23, when the victim is told to submit her statement.

Case Study

Justice SJ Kathawala, was hearing a defamation suit filed by Bollywood director Vikas Bahl against his former partners Anurag Kashyap and Vikram Motawane. The court has posted the matter for further hearing on October 23, when the victim is to submit her statement