IFTDA issues Show Cause Notice To Sajid Khan Over allegations of Sexual Harassment against him

In the wake of the #MeToo movement in India, Indian Film and Television Directors' Association (IFTDA) on Monday issued a show cause notice to filmmaker Sajid Khan over sexual harassment allegations hurled against him by three women. In a letter addressed to Sajid Khan, IFTDA has demanded an explanation from the director for his alleged offensive behaviour and sought his reply within seven days.

“Your lewd and obscene actions have brought disrepute to Indian Film and Television Directors' Association. We, therefore, want an explanation from you for such offensive behaviour within seven days of receipt of the notice for further action as per the rules and regulations,” said the letter, signed by IFTDA president Ashoke Pandit.

READ:  #MeToo: When Sajid Khan Revealed That He Treated Women Badly

READ: Farhad Samji To Replace Sajid Khan As The Director Of 'Housefull 4'

In case of no reply, the letter stated, the ex-parte decision would be taken. Sajid has been accused of sexual harassment by actors Saloni Chopra and Rachel White and journalist Karishma Upadhyay. 

Soon after the accusations against him surfaced on social media, Sajid Khan had issued a public statement stating that he “must take the moral responsibility of stepping down from directorial post”.

His full statement read, "In the wake of the allegations against me & the pressure being put on my family, my producer n the stars of my film Houseful 4, I must take the moral responsibility of stepping down from my directorial post, till the time I can allay the allegations and prove the truth.. I request my friends in the media to kindly not pass judgment till the truth is out."

After Sajid Khan's exit amid sexual misconduct allegations, the 'Housefull 4' producers have asked Farhad Samji to step in and direct the upcoming film. 

Actor Nana Patekar who has been accused of sexual harassment by  Tanushree Dutta on the sets of the film "Horn Ok Pleassss" in 2008, has also dropped out of the film “Housefull 4”. In a statement, Patekar's son Malhar said, "Nanasaheb do not want any inconvenience caused to anyone and hence in the backdrop of false accusations levelled against him he thought it fit to distance himself from the ongoing project of 'Housefull 4'".