Jennifer Mistry Bansiwal, renowned for her role as Mrs. Roshan Sodhi in the popular show Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, has emerged victorious in a year-long battle against the show’s producer, Asit Kumarr Modi. Last year, she accused Modi, along with operation head Sohil Ramani and executive producer Jatin Bajaj, of sexual harassment.
Now, a year later the verdict in the case is out and Jennifer has won the case. Producer Asit Kumarr Modi has been ordered to clear the outstanding dues adding a compensation of 5 Lakhs.ย
- Jennifer’s Legal Battle Against Taarak Mehta Producer
Speaking to Etimes, Jennifer disclosed, “I had filed a case of sexual harassment against the producer of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, who happens to be my former producer Asit Kumarr Modi, operation head Sohil Ramani and executive producer Jatin Bajaj, as there was no results from police authorities despite several follow ups, I appealed to The Goverment of Maharashtra.”
“The formation of the Local Complaints Committee led to a swift resolution, with Asit Kumarr Modi found guilty within four months under the sexual harassment of women at workplace (prevention, prohibition and redressal) Act of 2013. I am very sorry to say that the police authorities could not do this in the last 1 year. The verdict is in my favor, confirming the allegations I made with strong evidence,” she added.
- The verdict
Talking about the verdict, Jennifer revealed, “Asit Kumarr Modi has been ordered to pay me my due amount and an additional compensation for deliberately withholding my payment, totaling around Rs. 25-30 lakh. An extra 5 lakh is imposed on Mr. Modi for harassment. The verdict was out on 15th Feb. 2024, but I was asked not to share it in the media. However, I believe a woman’s reputation matters most. Its been over 40 days and I still haven’t received my due amount, which I earned through hard work on the serial.”ย
- Jennifer’s Disappointment with the Verdict
Jennifer is disappointed with the verdict and she revealed the reason too. She further told the publication, “Despite proving Mr. Modi guilty of sexual harassment, no punishment has been given to all three accused. Sohil and Jatin weren’t included in the verdict, which disappoints me. The local committeeย ordered my due amount, which I deserve. This verdict clears that my case was not fabricated, and I wasn’tย seeking cheap publicity. While I am glad my harassment was recognized, I don’tย feel I have received proper justice yet,” she said.ย
Jennifer further commented, “Mr. Modi was found guilty but not given any punishment. Sohil Ramani and Jatin Bajaj, who also committed similar offenses, were not included in the verdict. The verdict doesn’tย require Mr. Modi, Sohil and Jatin to apologize, despite their abuse towards me at work. The compensation asked is small, which may inspire others to commit similar crimes. If I accept this, it sends a message that crimes can be ignored by paying small amounts,” she continued.
“The compensation doesn’tย fully cover my mental trauma, reputation damage, loss of employment and medical expenses. I will continue this fight for justice, supported by my lawyer, husband, family and friends but it makes me think about how much harder it must be for ordinary women to seek justice,” she said.
