Kerala Government Faces Backlash Over Inaction on Justice Hema Committee Report

Former Union minister V Muraleedharan criticized the Kerala government for delaying action on the Justice Hema Committee report, which highlights the harassment and exploitation of women in the Malayalam film industry. The report has stirred public outrage, with calls for accountability and ministerial resignations becoming louder.

Former Union minister and BJP leader V Muraleedharan has criticized the Kerala government for its delayed response to the Justice K Hema Committee report, which addresses the harassment and exploitation faced by women in the Malayalam film industry. Muraleedharan accused the Pinarayi Vijayan-led administration of attempting to shield individuals named in the report, including a CPI(M) MLA.

'Kerala prides itself on gender equality, yet women in the film industry are treated as second-class citizens. It is the government's duty to act,' Muraleedharan told PTI. The Justice Hema Committee, set up after the 2017 actress assault case, revealed various instances of workplace harassment, prompting demands for punitive measures against the perpetrators.

The report has caused a significant stir in the Malayalam entertainment world, with many female actors, such as a notable Bengali actress, publicly accusing prominent industry figures like director Ranjith and actors Siddique and Mukesh of sexual misconduct. Muraleedharan stated that the law requires immediate government action on cognizable sexual harassment offenses.

(With inputs from agencies.)