Justice Hema Committee Report Exposes Rampant Sexual Harassment in Malayalam Film Industry

The Justice Hema Committee report, released on Monday, uncovers widespread sexual harassment in the Malayalam cinema industry. Submitted in 2019, the report includes detailed allegations about harassment, exploitation, and hostile working conditions faced by women. Fear of reprisal prevents many victims from filing complaints as powerful figures allegedly control the industry.

The Justice Hema Committee report released on Monday has revealed the pervasive and ongoing sexual harassment endured by women in the Malayalam cinema industry. Many women reported experiencing unwanted advances even before starting work in the field.

The report highlights the widespread nature of these issues, raising concerns about the safety and well-being of female professionals within the industry. The much-anticipated findings come from the government-appointed panel established in 2019 to investigate issues faced by women in Malayalam cinema. The report is filled with shocking accounts of harassment, exploitation, and maltreatment.

'Evidence presented shows that well-known men in cinema, including prominent artists and directors, have subjected women to sexual harassment and physical advances,' the expert panel noted. The report was shared with the media under the RTI Act, five years after being submitted to the government. Among other allegations, the report details instances of intoxicated individuals knocking on the doors of female actors' rooms, and the reluctance of victims to report these incidents due to fear of retaliation.

The commission expressed its shock at the stories of harassment revealed by women in the Malayalam film industry. Despite fitting the definitions of sexual crimes under the IPC and the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, many affected women remain silent due to fear of severe consequences. The panel also alleged that the industry is controlled by a 'criminal gang' and a power nexus involving key figures like producers and directors. The report urges police to register FIRs for the crimes and notes that fear for their lives keeps many women from speaking out.

(With inputs from agencies.)