233 directors file ₹23 Cr defamation suit against Federation President Swaroop Biswas over defamatory comments

233 directors from the Bengali film industry have filed a defamation lawsuit against Swaroop Biswas, the president of the West Bengal Motion Pictures Artists' Federation, seeking ₹23 crore in damages. The lawsuit comes in response to controversial remarks made by Biswas regarding allegations of sexual harassment within the industry, where he claimed that 60% of such allegations were directed at directors.

The conflict erupted after Biswas, during a recent interview, stated that a substantial percentage of sexual harassment complaints in Bengal's entertainment sector were associated with directors. His comments drew sharp criticism from the filmmaking community, who argue that such sweeping generalizations not only damage the reputations of individual directors but also perpetuate a negative stereotype about the entire profession. The 233 directors involved in the lawsuit assert that Biswas’s statements are not only defamatory but also harmful to the collective integrity of their work.

Subrata Sen, president of the Directors Guild, emphasized the necessity of holding Biswas accountable for his remarks. "It is crucial to differentiate between individual actions and the broader community's reputation. We cannot allow one person's comments to tarnish the entire industry," he stated.

Prominent figures in the industry, including actor-director Parambrata Chattopadhyay and veteran filmmaker Aparna Sen, have also weighed in on the controversy. Chattopadhyay noted that the federation appears to be overstepping its bounds, suggesting that it should not act as a law-making body. He expressed concern that such authority could lead to further misunderstandings and conflicts within the industry. Sen questioned Biswas's qualifications for leadership, asking, "On what grounds is Swaroop Biswas the chairman? His statements raise serious concerns about the federation's direction and accountability."

As the legal proceedings unfold, this case has the potential to set a precedent for how allegations of misconduct are addressed in the entertainment industry. The directors are hopeful that their united front will encourage a more respectful dialogue regarding harassment and misconduct while protecting the integrity of their profession.