Justice Hema Committee Report Reveals Harassment of Female Actors in Malayalam Film Industry
(Judicial Quest News Network)
Hyderabad, 20, August,2024
The recent release of the Justice Hema Committee report on August 19, 2024, has brought to light troubling revelations about sexual harassment in the Malayalam film industry. The report, which was made public after a five-year delay, reveals that female actors have faced persistent harassment from prominent figures within the industry. Witnesses provided compelling evidence, including video and audio clips, to substantiate claims of sexual favors being solicited in exchange for professional opportunities.
Senior legal experts have called for a thorough investigation by the Kerala government into the allegations highlighted in the report. They argue that the report’s findings—though detailed—are insufficient on their own to initiate legal action. According to a former Kerala High Court judge, the government must either accept or reject the report. If accepted, the report should prompt the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) and subsequent criminal investigation. This procedure mirrors the approach taken with the Justice Rajan Commission’s findings, which led to a CBI probe after the government’s endorsement.
Constituting a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to handle these allegations has also been recommended by experts. The report confirms numerous instances of sexual harassment, emphasizing the seriousness of these offenses. A former State Law Secretary highlighted the need for the government to form an opinion on the report and take appropriate steps to investigate the allegations thoroughly. While the report itself cannot serve as a basis for an FIR, it is essential for the government to order a criminal investigation and consider legislative measures to address the issues raised.
The Justice Hema Committee, appointed by the government in 2019, has documented severe cases of harassment, including incidents where female actors were subjected to unwanted advances and intimidation. The report describes a culture of exploitation where professional opportunities are often coupled with demands for sexual favors. It also suggests that individuals who refuse to comply with such demands are marginalized or excluded from the industry.
On August 17, Kerala’s Culture Minister Saji Cherian clarified that the state government did not obstruct the report’s release. The delay was attributed to a legal challenge by actress Ranjini, who raised concerns about the report’s contents. The Kerala High Court had previously halted the report’s publication on July 24, 2023, at the request of a Malayalam producer, but lifted the stay on August 13, directing the government to release the report within a week.
The report’s delay and sensitive nature have been linked to high-profile cases such as the assault involving actor Dileep, which underscored the urgent need to address sexual harassment and gender inequality in the industry. The report’s findings, coupled with the recent legal developments, underscore the necessity for immediate and decisive action to address the systemic issues faced by women in Malayalam cinema.
