JAC slam media debates on women’s clothing, demand action over online abuse of Anasuya Bharadwaj

Members of Women’s and Transgender Organisations Joint Action Committee condemned the sustained online harassment, online abuse using deepfakes and media vilification of Telugu actor Anasuya Bharadwaj, demanding strict legal action against those responsible and accountability from television and digital platforms that amplified the attacks.

Addressing a press conference at the Somajiguda Press Club in Hyderabad on Tuesday (January 13, 2026), the Committee said the controversy surrounding women’s clothing had been weaponised to justify harassment, moral policing and cyber abuse against women in the public eye. The representatives said the ongoing debates on television channels, YouTube platforms and social media had normalised misogyny, emboldened abusers and shifted the focus away from accountability for crimes against women.

Referring to recent incidents involving actors Nidhhi Agerwal and Anasuya Bharadwaj, the Committee said comments made by a Telugu actor about women’s clothing had triggered a cycle of trolling, abuse and threats. They stressed that such incidents were not about how women dress but about how society excuses male behaviour by placing the burden of violence on women.

Swetha Varma, a biker and activists cited data from the National Crime Records Bureau to underline the larger context of violence against women, stating that India recorded 4.28 lakh crimes against women in 2021, 4.45 lakh cases in 2022 and 4.5 lakh cases in 2023. She said that instead of addressing this alarming rise, public discourse was being diverted towards policing women’s attire. She criticised women in influential positions who echo such views, stating that no woman had the right to make derogatory remarks about another woman. She also questioned claims made in the name of Indian culture, asking whether those invoking culture were adhering to the Constitution, which guarantees women the right to dignity, freedom of expression and life without fear.

Another representative, Sravya, an actor and performer, said the repeated attacks revealed a deeply entrenched attitude towards women. She said it was distressing that even as the country entered 2026, there was a need for public discussions to defend women’s autonomy. As more women asserted their independence and choices, she said, the backlash had grown more aggressive. She rejected the argument that men ‘cannot control themselves’, stating that such claims demean men by portraying them as lacking basic self-restraint. Culture, she said, was not static but constantly evolving, shaped by how people choose to live and treat one another. She urged young people of all genders to stand in solidarity, even in small numbers, and to call out misogynistic behaviour as unacceptable.

The committee members also criticised the tone and content of television debates and online programmes. “We’re appalled by the incessant debates on TV and YouTube channels, spreading misogynistic and sarcastic rhetoric against women’s choices and freedom. Such channels prioritize profits over people’s well-being, which has a devastating impact. Creating content that mocks, shames, and ridicules women’s autonomy for TRPs is irresponsible and cruel. It normalises the notion that women’s bodies are public property, up for discussion and dissection. It silences women, making them feel ashamed of their choices and afraid to speak out. It perpetuates a culture of toxicity and hate.” the representation said.

The representatives demanded action against Telugu actor Sivaji for remarks made against Nidhhi Agerwal and Anasuya Bharadwaj, calling on the Women’s Commission to take stringent steps and ensure prosecution. They also warned that legal action should not be limited to the original speaker alone but extend to those who amplified the remarks by laughing, commenting and circulating the content further. “Those engaging with and spreading such derogatory material should be aware that the law would also apply to them,” said a representative.

Anasuya Bharadwaj, who joined the meeting virtually, accused sections of the media of distorting her statements and turning her into a character for public consumption. She questioned journalists and media platforms on their responsibility, saying that while the original remarks were made by an individual, the manner in which the media presented the issue had aggravated the abuse against her. Ms. Anasuy Bharadwaj said she felt afraid to face the media and asked whether there was any sense of shame in how the issue had been handled.

The actor said she had endured online harassment for the past two years but decided to speak up this time as the abuse had crossed a personal threshold. She said the situation escalated to threats of physical attacks on her and her family members, leaving her with no choice but to seek action and protection.

The Committee said it stood firmly with Ms. Anasuya Bharadwaj and all women facing harassment in recent times. It planned to write to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, seeking notices to be issued to those involved in the creation and transmission of content linked to the harassment.