Suresh Gopi Under Fire for Delayed Action in SRFTI Sexual Harassment Case

Suresh Gopi, the Chairperson of SRFTI, is facing criticism for delays in addressing a sexual harassment case involving a senior official. The survivor and the SRFTI Students' Union have raised concerns about the lack of action despite findings from the Internal Committee. The controversy escalated when the official was appointed to a committee for the Mumbai International Film Festival, prompting questions about the institute's commitment to the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act. Gopi's handling of the situation has drawn scrutiny, especially as he continues to work on his upcoming film, Ottakomban.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 10, 2026, 14:41 IST

Suresh Gopi Faces Backlash Over SRFTI Controversy

Actor and politician Suresh Gopi, who is the Chairperson of the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) and a Member of Parliament, is currently facing backlash from both a sexual harassment case survivor and the SRFTI Students' Union. They have raised concerns regarding the lack of action against a senior official at the institute, despite the Internal Committee's findings being submitted back in May 2026. The situation escalated when this official was appointed to a committee for the Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF), leading to student dissatisfaction and questions about the institute's adherence to the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013.

Allegations of Inaction in SRFTI Sexual Harassment Case

The survivor of the SRFTI harassment case has publicly criticized the delay in executing the Internal Committee's recommendations, which reportedly found the senior official guilty of misconduct under the Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal Act, 2013 (POSH Act). In an interview, she expressed frustration over not receiving any updates from the institute regarding the actions taken since the report was submitted over two months ago. She has called for the immediate dismissal of the official, highlighting that neither Suresh Gopi nor other authorities have provided explanations for the delay.

The controversy intensified when the official was appointed as a non-official member of the Organising Committee (South Zone) for the recently held Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) 2026, despite pending disciplinary actions.

Understanding the SRFTI Sexual Harassment Issue

The SRFTI Students' Union has condemned the institute's approach to the case, arguing that the delay undermines the protections provided by the POSH Act. They questioned how someone found guilty by the inquiry committee could still hold public positions while disciplinary actions are unresolved. The complainant, who fully participated in the two-stage inquiry, initially expected swift implementation of the committee's recommendations. However, she was dismayed to discover that the official was selected for the MIFF organizing committee while still receiving pay, despite being instructed to avoid the campus.

Additionally, Suresh Gopi has faced previous allegations of stalling the process by not acting on the Internal Committee's initial recommendations. On a professional note, the actor is currently engaged in his 250th film, titled Ottakomban, an action thriller directed by newcomer Mathews Thomas and produced by Sree Gokulam Movies.