Kerala High Court to Form Special Bench for Justice Hema Committee Report

The Kerala High Court announced that a five-judge special bench will review cases tied to the Justice Hema Committee's findings. This follows controversy surrounding the report's release, which outlines harassment in the Malayalam cinema industry. The special bench aims to address legal challenges and ensure balanced justice.

The Kerala High Court has confirmed the formation of a five-judge special bench to deliberate on cases linked to the Justice Hema Committee report. This special bench will notably include women judges, reflecting the court's recognition of gender-sensitive issues within the report.

The court's decision came in response to a plea against a single judge's ruling that allowed the report's public release. This report, commissioned by the state government after the 2017 actress assault case, documents harassment and exploitation within the Malayalam film industry.

As allegations from the report emerge, the Kerala government has also instituted a seven-member special investigation team to probe the claims. Legal and social ramifications continue to unfold, drawing significant public and media attention.

(With inputs from agencies.)