Vikas Bahl files defamation suit against Anurag Kashyap, Vikramaditya Motwane; claims they used #MeToo to settle personal scores

Vikas Bahl alleged that his co-partners took advantage of the ongoing #MeToo movement in the country and published 'false, malicious, unsubstantiated statements' against him on social media.
(left to right; from top) Co-partners of the now dissolved Phantom Films production house: Anurag Kashyap, Madhu Mantena, Vikas Bahl and Vikramaditya Motwane. (Photo | Phantom Films/ Facebook)
(left to right; from top) Co-partners of the now dissolved Phantom Films production house: Anurag Kashyap, Madhu Mantena, Vikas Bahl and Vikramaditya Motwane. (Photo | Phantom Films/ Facebook)

MUMBAI: Director Vikas Bahl, who was caught at the centre of controversy following allegations of sexual harassment against him, has filed a defamation case against Anurag Kashyap, Vikramaditya Motwane and others on Thursday.

Bahl filed the suit in the Bombay High Court, and has also sought compensation of Rs 10 crores from the respondents.

In his application submitted to the court, Bahl has alleged that Kashyap and Motwane, among others, took advantage of the ongoing #MeToo movement in the country and have published "false, malicious, unsubstantiated imputations, allegations and statements" against him through their social media platforms.

"They did so with an intent to settle personal scores, exact vendetta and due to professional jealousy with an intent to defame him and destroy his career," the 'Queen' filmmaker told the court.

In his application, Bahl pleaded the court to direct Kashyap and Motwane to delete the "defamatory" posts.

The director has also named a few media publications and their editors in his application.

Earlier in October, Bahl had sent a legal notice to his former partners of the now dissolved Phantom Films, Kashyap and Motawane.

The 'Shaandaar' director has been accused of sexually harassing a woman who used to work as a crew member with him in Phantom Films. Kangana Ranaut has also accused Bahl of sexual misconduct on the sets of 'Queen', the critically acclaimed film directed by him.

Related Stories

No stories found.

X
The New Indian Express
www.newindianexpress.com