Cultural Affairs Minister Assures Action on Sexual Harassment Claims Against Kerala Film Academy Chairman

Kerala's Cultural Affairs Minister Saji Cherian assures action if allegations against Film Academy Chairman Ranjith are proven. Filmmaker Biju and others demand Ranjith's removal amidst various allegations. The Youth Congress and opposition call for investigations and the resignation of the Culture Minister over mishandling the Hema Committee report.

Kerala Cultural and Youth Affairs Minister Saji Cherian assured on Saturday that action will be taken if allegations of inappropriate behavior against a woman actor by director and Kerala State Chalachitra Academy Chairman Ranjith are proven. "The government will not protect anyone who does wrong. Action is assured if allegations against Film Academy Chairman Ranjith are proved," he wrote on Facebook.

Earlier, filmmaker Biju demanded Ranjith's removal from the Chalachitra Academy. On Facebook, Biju stated, "For the past three years, several allegations have been leveled against the Chairman. Complaints indicated that he influenced jury members to grant awards to certain individuals and deny them to others. This has been confirmed by director Vinayan and two other jury members." Biju highlighted issues about film selection for the IFFK, claiming digital evidence showed films were picked without being viewed.

"The Chairman compared the audience to dogs during the film festival's closing ceremony and made defamatory remarks in public media against me and other professionals," Biju continued. Biju underscored that General Council members have publicly called for Ranjith's removal. While the Cultural Minister has assured investigations, no action has been taken so far.

Referring to the Hema Committee report, Biju pointed to newly surfaced allegations by an actress against Ranjith. He argued that sexual harassment allegations against someone in a position of responsibility should not be taken lightly. "If Ranjith has any doubts about my relevance, I have previously written in length on this subject. The salary you receive, and the money for your car and house rent, come from taxpayers like me. As a taxpaying citizen, I demand the government immediately remove the Chairman," Biju added.

Meanwhile, the Youth Congress has filed a complaint demanding an investigation against Film Academy Chairman Ranjith. Youth Congress Vice President Abin Varkey urged an inquiry following revelations by a Bengali actress. The complaint emphasizes the need for accountability and follows the release of a redacted Justice Hema Committee report, which exposed sexual harassment within the Malayalam film industry. Kerala Assembly Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan also called for Culture Minister Saji Cherian's resignation, accusing him of attempting to avoid investigation into the Hema Committee's recommendations.

"Kerala Culture Minister Saji Cherian is trying to avoid investigating the Hema Committee's recommendations and revelations. He is violating his oath by trying to protect the culprits," Satheesan said. "The opposition UDF demands his resignation. Despite knowing of the offenses, the government is not taking any action nor constituting an investigation team," he added.

(With inputs from agencies.)