Political Uproar in Kerala Over Justice Hema Committee Report on Malayalam Film Industry

The Justice Hema Committee report, revealing severe harassment and sexual exploitation of women in the Malayalam film industry, has ignited a political storm in Kerala. Opposition parties criticized the government's inaction, while the Left government pledged support for victims and promised to implement the Committee’s recommendations. The controversy continues unabated.

The Justice Hema Committee report, which uncovered severe harassment and sexual exploitation faced by women in the Malayalam film industry, triggered a political storm in Kerala on Tuesday. Opposition parties hammered the Left government for its silence and lack of action over the past four years despite receiving the report. The government, however, reaffirmed its commitment to victims and stated that it had started implementing the Committee's recommendations.

The Congress-led UDF accused the government of possibly keeping the report confidential to protect the accused, alleging that the Pinarayi Vijayan administration sided with the perpetrators rather than victims. The BJP also criticized Cultural Affairs Minister Saji Cheriyan for not taking legal action against the accused despite having received information on their crimes.

Cheriyan clarified that the government is on the victims' side and emphasized that the High Court and Information Commission decided which parts of the report should be made public. He said all aspects of the report would be discussed further in a proposed cinema conclave. Yet, opposition parties remain skeptical, suspecting that the report's confidentiality aimed to shield the accused.

(With inputs from agencies.)