Anu Malik’s comeback as a judge on Indian Idol 11, back in November 2019, had invited the wrath of many people. The makers of the singing reality show, as well as the channel, faced severe backlash for bringing Anu Malik back despite several #MeToo allegations leveled against him. He was called out by singers such as Sona Mohapatra, Neha Bhasin, Caralisa Monteiro, Shweta Pandit. Sona was relentless and continuously slammed the makers asking them to remove him from the judging panel. Amid all this outrage, Anu Malik finally announced that he is stepping down as the judge and said that he would be back after clearing his name.
Now, a letter was written by Barnali Shome, Under Secretary, National Commission for Women (NCW), to Madhuri Malhotra, head, Standards and Practices, Sony Pictures Networks India Private Limited, obtained by Mumbai Mirror, dated January 3, 2020, stated that NCW had taken cognizance of Sona Mohapatra’s tweet. In the tweet, it was alleged that Anu Malik was made a judge for youngsters on national television ignoring testimonies of several women of sexual harassment and assault. The letter further states, “The Commission is in receipt of your response dated 06/12/2019 in the matter. In view of the above, I am directed to apprise you that the Commission has closed the case due to lack of communication/substantial evidence sought from the complainant." ALSO READ: Indian Idol 11: Himesh Reshammiya Replaces #MeToo Accused Anu Malik As The Judge
Speaking to Mumbai Mirror, chairperson of NCW, Rekha Sharma said that they wrote to the complainant, but she had said that she was traveling and would visit once she is back. They waited for 45 days and had asked for documents, but she did not reply. The complainant had also informed that there are other women with complaints against Anu Malik, but none of them have responded. However, Rekha Sharma did mention that this isn’t a permanent closure and if the complainant brings evidence, or any document, it can be reopened again.
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