The Kerala High Court issued a stern rebuke to the state government on Tuesday, criticizing its failure to act on the Hema Committee’s findings, which highlighted rampant sexual misconduct in the Malayalam film industry.
The division bench, consisting of Justice AK Jayasankaran Nambiar and Justice CS Sudha, demanded the Special Investigation Team (SIT) appointed by the state to provide a comprehensive report on the actions taken based on the committee’s recommendations. The court also rejected requests to restrict media coverage of the case, emphasizing the importance of public discourse on the matter.
Established in 2017, the Hema Committee was tasked with investigating allegations of sexual misconduct within the industry. Despite the committee’s report being submitted to the government in 2019, the court noted a significant lack of progress, with no First Information Reports (FIRs) filed against the accused. “We are primarily concerned with inaction of the state, including not registering FIRs… You have done nothing in 4 years except sit on the report,” the bench stated.*
The release of the 235-page report on August 19 sparked a series of allegations against high-profile figures in Malayalam cinema, leading to the dissolution of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) and its 17-member executive committee. Notable industry figures such as director Ranjith and actors Siddique and Mukesh faced accusations, resulting in their cases being highlighted in the media.
Following the outcry, the government, led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, established a seven-member SIT. However, the response has been criticized as inadequate, with the opposition condemning the state’s actions as ‘anti-women.’ V D Satheesan, Leader of the Opposition, questioned the lack of investigative and corrective measures taken by the government. “Why hasn’t the government investigated the crimes revealed in the Hema Committee report? Why hasn’t action been taken against those who committed crimes against women and children, despite laws stating that covering up sexual offences is a crime?” Satheesan asked.
