Last year, an FIR was filed against Asit Kumarr Modi, the producer of the popular TV show Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah (TMKOC), by Jennifer Mistry Bansiwal, who portrayed the character of Mrs Roshan Singh Sodhi. Bansiwal accused Modi of engaging in sexual harassment.
In 2023, an FIR was lodged against Asit Modi, the producer of the popular television show Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, along with Sohail Ramani, the operation head, and Jatin Bajaj, the executive producer. This legal action was initiated in response to a complaint filed by Jennifer, who accused Asit of engaging in inappropriate behaviour, flirting and making unwelcome sexual advances towards her on multiple occasions.
The hearing favoured Jennifer, with Asit being instructed to settle her unpaid debts and provide her with ₹5 lakh as restitution. Jennifer mentioned that Asit Modi was directed to remit her outstanding balance along with extra compensation for intentionally withholding her payment, amounting to approximately ₹25-30 lakh. She disclosed that an additional ₹5 lakh was levied on Asit for harassment, although she has not received any payment from him as of yet. Jennifer elaborated that the judgment was issued on February 15, 2024, but she was advised against disclosing it to the press.
Jennifer expressed her conflicting emotions about the hearing, emphasizing the importance of a woman’s reputation. She mentioned that it has been more than 40 days since she has not received her rightful earnings from her hard work on the show (TMKOC). Despite proving Mr. Modi’s guilt in the sexual harassment case, no punishment has been given to all three accused. She also expressed disappointment that Sohil and Jatin were not included in the verdict. The local committee has ordered the payment of her dues, which she rightfully deserves. This ruling validates that her case was not fabricated and she was not seeking attention. While she is relieved that her harassment was acknowledged, she still feels that she has not received proper justice.
