UDF Demands Action on Hema Committee Report; CPI(M) Cites Legal Constraints

The Congress-led UDF has called on Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to order a comprehensive police investigation based on the Justice K Hema Committee findings, which detail sexual harassment and other abuses in the Malayalam film industry. However, the CPI(M) contends that lodging an FIR based on the report is not legally permissible.

The Congress-led UDF has intensified its call for action, urging Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to initiate a thorough police probe based on the Justice K Hema Committee's findings on sexual harassment and human rights abuses in the Malayalam film industry. UDF leader V D Satheesan has stressed the need for a special team, led by a female IPS officer, to investigate the serious offenses detailed in the report.

However, CPI(M) leaders argue that legal precedents prevent lodging an FIR based solely on committee findings. A K Balan, a senior CPI(M) leader, cited a Supreme Court ruling in the Oommen Chandy case, stating that an FIR cannot be registered based on commission reports alone. Culture Minister Saji Cherian reiterated that the government has clarified its stance and is waiting on the Kerala High Court's decision for further action.

Meanwhile, the Kerala Human Rights Commission has highlighted the need to investigate widespread human rights violations in the film industry, as indicated in the Hema Committee report. The commission has requested detailed responses from government authorities. The ongoing debate puts pressure on the state to address the allegations and ensure justice for the victims.

(With inputs from agencies.)