Kavitha Lankesh after Kannada film’s POSH panel stalled: ‘Our fight will continue’

On Monday morning, the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce, following a strict intervention from the Karnataka State Women’s Commission, set up an 11-member internal committee, headed by director Kavitha Lankesh, to address the sexual harassment issues in the industry. They even sent out a press release for POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) panel with names, which included women’s activist K S Vimala, transgender activist Mallu Kumbar, actor Sruthi Hariharan, journalist Muralidhar Khajane and producers N M Suresh and Sa Ra Govindu among others. However, by evening, the Chamber had put the decision on hold citing election code of conduct.
NM Suresh, president of KFCC, said, “It has been put on hold as the election date for the next KFCC president has been announced, and a code of conduct is in force. The election is slated for December 12. Further decision will be taken after that.”
Kavitha Lankesh, said, “In good faith, we will wait till December 14, as assured by the chamber. Hours after forming the committee, Suresh called me and told me that the decision was put on hold because of elections. Suresh has been doing a lot of work. So, we would like to give them some more time. But, no matter what, our fight will continue.”

Decision to stall panel ‘a disregard for the law’: Film bodyThe Film Industry for Rights & Equality (FIRE) has criticised the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) for delaying the formation of a mandatory Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) under the POSH Act. “We in FIRE view this unwillingness to implement the ICC as not only a disregard of the
law but an act that allows the attacks on human dignity (sexual harassment) to continue,” the statement said.
Meghana Raj denies mother’s involvement in KFCC’s POSH panelIn a press release sent out by KFCC, actor-producer Pramila Joshai was named as one of the members of the members of the panel. However, on Tuesday, Meghana Raj wrote, “My Mother Pramila Joshai, Actress/ Producer Is NOT part of any committee which has been formed recently. She is currently the Vice president (producer sector) of Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce. Using her name without her consent in relation to committees which are still under discussion is not Fair and will not be taken lightly but us (sic).”
Internal fight over internal committee?Sources in the know said that code of conduct is most likely to be a facade, as the real reason could be immense opposition from many members against the committee’s formation. Previously, during the first meeting held to discuss the formation of committee, it is said that the women were not allowed to voice their concerns.