Women’s panel hears lawsuit against Marathi actor Ketaki Chitale for Sharad Pawar post

The National Commission on Women (NCW) on Friday held a hearing in the lawsuit against Marathi actor Ketaki Chitale, who was arrested after she allegedly posted a protest post on social media about NCP head Sharad Pawar.

The hearing was chaired by NCW president, Rekha Sharma. Milind Bharambe, Special Inspector General (law and order) appeared on behalf of Maharashtra Police Superintendent.

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During the hearing, the committee asked Bharambe why an FIR was filed against Ketaki when similar content had been previously shared by many social media users. It also inquired about the allegation of defamation in the FIR and asked Bharambe to identify the complainants in the case.

The committee asked Bharambe whether the legal process as listed in section 41A of the Criminal Procedure Act (CLA) was followed prior to the arrest of Ketaki Chitale. Section 41A of the Criminal Procedure Code states that the police must notify the accused before making an arrest. It also makes clear that prior authorization will be made from the Judge in non-identifiable cases.

The committee also sought an explanation of the action the police took against the female NCP leaders who attacked Ketaki outside the police station. It also asked why the revoked portions of the IT act were used in this regard.

“The committee has directed that the police should not act on political views but should proceed in an unbiased manner in all matters,” said supporter Yogesh Deshpande, who appeared in Ketaki.

The commission also sought a list of cases that had been registered in the past year based on online defamation statements along with their status reports. Copies of several cases reported to the committee have been shared with Bharambe and status reports on all such matters will be sought within 15 days.

The matter has been adjourned until further action.