Women Face Harassment in Malayalam Cinema

The Justice Hema committee report has revealed serious issues faced by women in Malayalam cinema, highlighting prevalent sexual harassment. Legal experts strongly suggest that this calls for an immediate investigation into the claims made in the report.

The committee expressed concern after witnessing evidence from various witnesses, including video clips and WhatsApp messages that indicate women are often asked for sexual favors to gain entry into the film industry.

A former judge of the Kerala High Court noted that while an FIR cannot be filed based solely on the committee’s report, it’s essential for the state government to make a decision on these findings. He mentioned that if the government accepts the report, it should direct an investigation agency to file an FIR.

Asaf Ali, a former Director General of Prosecution, emphasized that the state government and police should form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to thoroughly investigate the allegations. He pointed out that the report confirms incidents of sexual harassment, which is classified as a cognizable offense under the law.

Moreover, B.G. Harindranath, a senior lawyer, has stated that the government must take a clear stance on the findings and initiate an investigation into these serious claims. He underscored the importance of reviewing all evidence collected during the committee’s investigation.

The police may file an FIR based on the evidence and witnesses’ statements, but the success of prosecution would still depend on the strength of the evidence and the willingness of the women to stand by their accounts.

Interestingly, the report specifically mentions that not all men in the Malayalam cinema industry engage in inappropriate behavior, as many treat women with respect and professionalism. This is an important distinction in the broader conversation about safety in the film industry.

But despite the revelation of more serious issues, some parts of the report were held back by authorities, with only a redacted version being made public. Details on witnesses and sensitive information were omitted, raising questions about transparency.

The committee’s work underscores the ongoing struggles women have faced in the industry from its early days, highlighting a need for regulatory changes and stricter oversight in the field.