Ali Zafar vs Meesha Shafi: Supreme Court Grants Leave In Workplace Harassment Case

The Ali Zafar and Meesha Shafi workplace harassment saga doesn't seem to be showing any signs of diminishment and as we enter the new year 2021, it looks like Meesah Shafi has had the first minor win over this prolonged case. 

In 2020, there were strong voices from various corners of the country who spoke up against Ali Zafar and demanded that the Government take back its decision to award him with the Pride of Performance, which is to be conferred on 23rd March 2021, amid sexual harassment cases leveled against him. Ali's counsel countered by telling everyone that are no active cases against him anymore. 

And now, Pakistani singer Meesha Shafi’s workplace harassment case against Ali Zafar was approved for hearing on Monday by the Supreme Court.

Must Read: Ali Zafar: A Journey From Alleged Harassment Accusations To Being Awarded Pride Of Performance

The singer was granted leave by the court in her appeal against Ali Zafar, meaning the court will be deliberating if Meesha Shafi’s accusations of sexual harassment should come under the workplace harassment law.

A three-judge bench of the apex court, led by Justice Mushir Alam, issued notices to respondents Ali Zafar and Advocate General Punjab.

This also means that Harassment complaint was never heard on merits. Hats off to Meesha, Leena, legal teams who have been standing tall in the face of smear campaigns for the last 2 years. More power to all survivors of harassment who are still invisible & fighting for change.

— Nighat Dad (@nighatdad) January 11, 2021

 Prior to the hearing, activist Sheema Kermani had also tweeted in Shafi's support.

#justiceforMeeshaShafi#metoo
We the Artist community of Pakistan, specially the female artists of this country are aware of the misogyny that permeates all levels of our society and is highly prevalent in the Media and ShowBiz industry. 1/6#meeshashafi #MeToo #sexualharrasment

— Sheema Kermani (@tehrikeniswan) January 10, 2021

Now, several are congratulating the singer on being granted leave.

congrats to you and the team on today's big step towards justice. your struggle, even amidst all the abuse you've been facing, is going to make way for so many more victims of harassment as well. more power to you???? https://t.co/z451BVyvt6

— sabeen. (@bichiamdead) January 11, 2021

SC has granted leave in #MeeshaShafi case as case of first impression- its a legislative lacuna (definition of workplace being restrictive)but the SC can use purposive approach to broaden it by looking at the intent of legislature. It would be interesting to see how court rules

— Ayesha Siddique Khan (@Ayesha_SK11) January 11, 2021

 Earlier in 2019, Meesha Shafi’s appeal was dismissed by the Lahore High Court on the basis that she and her alleged harasser did not have “an employer-employee” relationship. 

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