Nadigar Sangam to impose 5-year ban on sexual offenders, provide legal aid to victims

Nasir, president of the Nadigar Sangam. File | Photo credit: The Hindu

The South Indian Artistes’ Association (SIAA) (Nadigar Sangam) has resolved that if the complaint is found to be true, sexual offenders will be banned from the film industry for five years.

A consultative meeting of the Gender Sensitization and Internal Complaints Committee (GSICC) of the Nadigar Sangam was held on Wednesday (September 4, 2024).

Another resolution said that legal aid would be provided to the victims and a provision would be made to lodge complaints through email. Members were urged to lodge complaints through the committee instead of speaking directly to the media.

The committee said it would assist those affected by offensive posts on YouTube, and advised those affected to lodge complaints with the cyber crime division of the police. Additionally, the Nadigar Sangam would directly oversee the activities of the committee.

GSICC was formed in 2019 to investigate complaints of sexual harassment and ensure the safety of women members of SIAA based on the recommendation of the Vishaka Committee.

The resolutions were passed in the presence of SIAA president Nasser, vice-president S. Murugan, treasurer Karthi and committee chairperson Rohini. Actors Khushbu and Suhasini were also present.