‘IC reduced to a tool in hands of the powerful’: WCC after Ranjith’s arrest in sexual assault case

In the wake of the sexual assault case against director Ranjith, the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) has issued a strong statement criticising how the film industry continues to handle workplace safety mechanisms, particularly Internal Committees (ICs).

Responding to the development, the WCC said that “the industry continues to treat the IC as an unwanted burden,” raising concerns about how such bodies function in practice. In a statement shared on its social media platforms, the collective added, “In this incident, we have witnessed the IC reduced to yet another tool in the hands of the powerful. If the POSH Act is not implemented in its true spirit, injustice will continue unchecked, perpetrators will keep believing they are untouchable, and film sets will remain unsafe for women.”

The organisation also expressed support for the complainant, noting, “In this climate, we acknowledge and salute the courage of the young actress who approached the police directly, without waiting for anyone else.” It further called for a re-examination of policy decisions, stating, “At this moment, it is also crucial to re-examine why the film policy rejected the Redressal Tribunal proposed by the Hema Committee.”

Questioning the functioning of ICs on film sets, the WCC pointed to reports suggesting that members of the committee were unaware of the alleged incident. “We now hear that the IC members were ‘unaware’ of a grave assault that happened right under their watch. This exposes how power structures in the industry have effectively muted the IC,” the statement said.

The remarks come against the backdrop of earlier legal interventions by the collective. It was following a public interest litigation filed by the WCC that the Kerala High Court, in 2022, directed the formation of Internal Complaints Committees on film sets, along with a monitoring mechanism. The collective noted that despite these measures, gaps remain in implementation.

Highlighting this, the WCC said, “The WCC (Women in Cinema Collective) fought for and secured a High Court order ensuring an IC on every film set, along with the formation of a monitoring committee. The committee submitted several crucial action plans. Yet, why are these mechanisms still not functioning? Is it lack of will? Lack of awareness? Or sheer indifference? These systems cannot exist only on paper.”

The statement concluded with a call for stronger accountability and systemic reform. “Survivors deserve belief, support, and systems that work. Speaking out is never easy, but every voice raised against harassment takes a step closer to real change. The industry can no longer hide behind ignorance or inertia. Implement ICs. Follow POSH. Prioritise safety. If cinema wishes to reflect society, it must also model a workplace that is safe, equitable, and dignified for all. WCC remains committed to structural reform, survivor support, and a future where dignity is non-negotiable.”