Kochi: The release of the Hema Committee Report marked a turning point, bringing several shocking truths about the film industry to light. Serious allegations had surfaced against various actors following the report. Petitions related to the report are set to be considered by the High Court today.
A Division Bench comprising Justices Dr. A.K. Jayasankaran Nambiar and C.S. Sudha will hear the petitions. As per the direction of the High Court, the Amicus Curiae is likely to submit an initial report. One of the petitions, challenging the formation of the Hema Committee as unconstitutional and seeking the annulment of government action, will also be taken up by the court.
In a separate petition filed by a Kannur-based film worker, the state government is expected to present its stance today. The High Court had previously noted that there was a delay in filing the petition. Additionally, the SIT investigating the progress of the cases linked to the Hema Committee report is expected to update the High Court on its findings.
The State Women’s Commission had earlier alleged that there were attempts to obstruct investigations into cases registered based on the testimonies received by the Hema Committee. These claims were made in an affidavit submitted to the Supreme Court. The commission also alleged that a petition filed by producer Sajimon Parayil challenging the High Court’s order for investigation was part of this obstruction.
The Kerala High Court had previously ordered an investigation based on the cases registered from the testimonies collected by the Hema Committee. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) was directed to file FIRs and proceed with further steps. The government had issued an order constituting the Hema Committee in July 2017. The three-member committee was chaired by retired Justice K. Hema, with former bureaucrat K.B. Valsalakumari and veteran actress Sharada as members.
The committee was tasked with examining the injustices and violence faced by women in the film industry and recommending solutions. This was the first such commission in India to study the internal workings of the film industry. The Hema Committee submitted its 300-page report to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on December 31, 2019.
