Justice Hema Committee: Unveiling Harassment in Malayalam Cinema

The Justice Hema Committee report has exposed the widespread sexual harassment and gender inequality faced by women in the Malayalam film industry. The report has triggered strong reactions, with demands for strict actions to ensure a safe working environment. The Women in Cinema Collective has welcomed the report and urged the government to act on its recommendations.

The Justice Hema Committee report on harassment in the Malayalam cinema industry has unveiled shocking revelations, prompting demands for stringent actions to ensure a safe working environment for women professionals.

The opposition UDF has called for a team of women IPS officers to investigate the complaints, while the state Women's Commission sought immediate intervention from the authorities.

'Based on the suggestions of the Hema Committee, the Women's Commission will recommend the establishment of grievance redressal committees as mandated by the POSH Act on film sets,' stated panel chief P Sathi Devi.

The Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) welcomed the report, hoping the government would take the necessary steps to address its recommendations.

'Our fight for justice and dignified professional space in the film industry has been vindicated,' the WCC declared in a Facebook post.

This marks the first instance of a government committee addressing gender issues in cinema, involving a retired high court judge, a bureaucrat, and a senior cine artist.

Released on Monday, the report documents accounts of harassment and exploitation, alleging the existence of a 'criminal gang' controlling the industry and forcing out unyielding women.

The report underscores the need for immediate action, given the prevalent and persistent sexual harassment in the industry.

(With inputs from agencies.)