A meeting of the Eastern India Motion Pictures Association (EIMPA) was convened at the Press Club on Monday, where acting president Piya Sengupta firmly asserted that she has not resigned from her post and termed the appointment of interim president Ratan Saha as “illegal”. Addressing the media and members present, Sengupta alleged that she has been subjected to harassment and heckling, necessitating the meeting to be held at the Press Club instead of the EIMPA office.
Legal Position Clarified
Speaking on the ongoing controversy, Sengupta emphasized that EIMPA is a government-recognized body, and all its articles and bylaws are being followed with due respect. She further stated that a case related to the matter is currently pending before the High Court. “We are hearing allegations that we are sitting here illegally, carrying out illegal activities, that our tenure has ended and therefore someone has become interim president. I want to make the legal position clear. I am the legal president and I will complete my tenure,” she said, adding that court orders and legal documents support her position.
Lawyer's Statement
Lawyer Chintu Agarwal, who was present at the meeting, also addressed the issue and stated that only eligible members would be allowed to vote in the upcoming 2027 elections. He maintained that under the 2025 election process, Sengupta continues to remain the president. “The directions passed by the Hon’ble Court need to be followed. The parties are already in the legal process. However, certain people are taking the law into their own hands. These incidents are being reported to the jurisdictional police station and further legal action is also underway,” Agarwal said.
The dispute highlights internal conflicts within EIMPA, with both sides claiming legitimacy. The High Court's pending decision is expected to resolve the leadership crisis. Meanwhile, Sengupta and her supporters remain firm on following legal procedures and ensuring that only eligible members participate in future elections.
