In a major legal development, a Mumbai court has dismissed the MeToo allegations made by actress Tanushree Dutta against veteran Bollywood actor Nana Patekar. The court ruled that the case was filed beyond the legal limitation period, thereby preventing further investigation or prosecution.

Case Background: What Led to the Allegations?

The case dates back to 2008, when Dutta alleged that Nana Patekar harassed her during the filming of a song for the movie Horn Ok Pleasss. However, she formally lodged her complaint in October 2018, ten years after the alleged incident, amid the #MeToo movement in India. The movement, which started in Hollywood, gained significant momentum in India, prompting many women to come forward with accusations of sexual harassment in the entertainment industry.

Despite the nationwide attention, police investigations found no substantial evidence, leading to a B-summary report in 2019, which essentially closed the case. Dutta challenged this report, seeking a reinvestigation, but the court ultimately ruled against her due to legal technicalities.

Court's Ruling: Why Was the Case Dismissed?

On March 8, 2025, the Judicial Magistrate First Class (Andheri), NV Bansal, ruled that the case could not proceed because it was filed beyond the limitation period prescribed under Indian law.

Key points of the ruling:

• Sections 354 (assault or criminal force with intent to outrage modesty) and 509 (insulting the modesty of a woman) have a limitation period of three years from the date of the incident.
• Dutta filed her complaint 10 years later, exceeding the legal timeframe.
• The court emphasized that allowing such a delayed case would go against principles of justice and legal fairness.

Additionally, the court noted that Dutta did not submit an application to explain the delay in filing her complaint. Without a legally valid reason for the delay, the court ruled that the case could not be revived or examined further.

What Did the Police Investigation Reveal?

During the police investigation in 2018-2019, officials found no substantial evidence to support Dutta’s claims. Their findings led to a B-summary report, which is issued when police conclude that a complaint is either false or lacks evidence to proceed with prosecution.

Dutta protested this conclusion, filing a petition to reject the B-summary and demand further investigation. However, the court ruled that since the limitation period had expired, it had no legal basis to continue the case.

Impact on the #MeToo Movement in India

Tanushree Dutta was a pioneer of the #MeToo movement in Bollywood, sparking conversations about sexual harassment and abuse of power in the film industry. While her case has now been legally dismissed, the broader discussions around workplace harassment, delayed justice, and systemic challenges remain relevant.

This ruling raises key concerns about the legal framework surrounding sexual harassment cases, particularly for incidents that occurred years before they were officially reported.

What Happens Next?

With the case officially dismissed, there is little legal recourse left for Dutta unless she appeals the ruling in a higher court. However, the outcome highlights the legal barriers that survivors of sexual harassment face, especially regarding time limits on filing complaints.

Despite this setback, the #MeToo movement continues to influence discussions on gender equality, workplace safety, and legal reforms in India. The case also underscores the need for better mechanisms to address delayed harassment complaints while ensuring fair legal procedures for all parties involved.