Kerala High Court Raps State Government Over Hema Committee Report Inaction

The Kerala High Court has criticized the state government for its inaction on the Hema Committee report, demanding answers for the lack of follow-up. The Court urged the state to submit the sealed report to a Special Investigative Team and explore legislation to curb sexual exploitation in the unorganized sector.

The Kerala High Court delivered a stinging rebuke to the state government on Tuesday, criticizing its failure to act on the Hema Committee report. The Court demanded to know why no steps had been taken since the report's disclosures and directed the state to hand over the sealed report to a Special Investigative Team (SIT).

'You have done nothing in four years except sit on the Hema Committee report,' said the Court, questioning what measures are being implemented to address issues faced by women both in society and the film industry.

Emphasizing the need for legislative measures to tackle sexual exploitation in the unorganized sector, the High Court pointed out that several individuals had come forward following the report's release. The Attorney General stated that actions have been taken based on post-publication complaints, but the Court demanded a SIT report on the measures taken thus far. Additionally, the Court advised against rushing the proceedings and suggested that filing an FIR should only be considered after thoroughly examining the report.

The Court further criticized the state government's minimal steps since the report's release, while the government argued that the committee focused solely on the film industry and lacked specific complainants or details. Besides sexual allegations, the Court instructed the SIT to investigate other issues raised in the report, like pay parity and workplace amenities, and to file a detailed affidavit in a sealed cover.

The SIT has to determine the appropriate actions while safeguarding everyone's privacy, the Court emphasized, advising against press conferences. If a complainant opts to withdraw their complaint, the proceedings may be terminated. The government cautioned against a media trial, and the Court responded that the media should self-regulate without external control.

'Kerala has more women than men. This is a problem faced by the majority in the state. It's not just a problem faced by women in cinema. The administration must respond urgently. The report details serious crimes,' stated the Court, highlighting the potential for rape and POCSO cases. The Court questioned why the government believed there was no basis for filing cases.

Parties involved in the case include the State Chief Secretary, the Director General of Police, AMMA (Association of Malayalam Movie Artists), and the State Human Rights Commission. The Court scheduled further proceedings for October 3, with a new special bench led by acting Chief Justice A. Muhamad Mustaque and Justices A.K. Jayasankaran Nambiar and C.S. Sudha hearing the matter.

(With inputs from agencies.)