'Sexual Abuse, Culture Of Silence In Malayalam Film Industry': Justice Hema Committee Report

Highlighting various concerns, the Hema Committee report recommends establishing a tribunal similar to a civil court to address serious issues faced by women working in the Malayalam film industry.

mollywood sexual harassment hema committee

Released on August 19, 2024, the Justice Hema Committee report exposes the pervasive and ongoing sexual harassment experienced by women in the Malayalam film industry, with many women reporting unwanted advances even before they began their work. The report underscores the extensive nature of the problem, raising serious concerns about the safety and well-being of female professionals in the industry.

The eagerly anticipated report from the Justice Hema Committee, a government-appointed panel established in 2019 to investigate the challenges faced by women in Malayalam cinema, details harrowing accounts of harassment, exploitation, and mistreatment. After five years of submission to the government, the report was made available to the media under the RTI Act.

Justice Hema Committee Report Flags Sexual Harassment In Malayalam Film Industry

The report, which has been held by the state government for over four years, was finally released following numerous legal disputes in court and at the State Information Commission, according to The Indian Express. The three-member committee, led by retired High Court judge Justice K Hema, was established in July 2017 in response to the sexual assault of a prominent actor in a moving vehicle earlier that year. The report reveals disturbing accounts from witnesses, including allegations involving "highly placed men in cinema." It states, "It is deeply troubling to hear about incidents involving these highly revered figures in the industry. As the testimonies unfolded, many of these so-called icons began to fall from grace. These influential individuals, who have the power to shape the future of Malayalam cinema, are unfortunately contributing to the decline of the profession," as reported by The Indian Express.

hema committee report revelations

Shocking Revelations By Justice Hema Committee Report

In a series of shocking revelations, the report detailed that female actors in the Malayalam film industry endured harassment, including disturbing incidents where intoxicated individuals would knock on their doors. Many victims of sexual harassment were hesitant to report these incidents to the police out of fear.

The report metaphorically compared the hidden truths of the industry to a sky full of illusions, stating, “The sky is full of mysteries, with the twinkling stars and the beautiful moon. But scientific investigation revealed that the stars do not twinkle, nor does the moon look beautiful,” and warned, “Do not trust what you see; even salt looks like sugar,” as reported by the Free Press Journal.

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The report also indicated that women who are willing to compromise are given code names, while those who refuse are pushed out of the industry. The commission expressed its shock at the accounts of sexual harassment revealed by women working in Malayalam cinema. It noted that job offers in the industry often come with demands for sexual favours, and women are pressured to comply or face exclusion.

hema committee report

Additionally, the report accused the Malayalam film industry of being controlled by a “criminal gang” and urged the police to file FIRs for the crimes occurring within the industry. Many victims remain silent due to fears for their safety.

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What Is Hema Committee?

The Hema committee panel was established following the 2017 assault case involving actor Dileep, to investigate sexual harassment and gender inequality in the Malayalam film industry. Although the report was submitted in 2019, its release was delayed due to the sensitive nature of the information.

The actress-survivor, who has acted in Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam films, was reportedly abducted and sexually assaulted in her car for two hours on the night of February 17, 2017. The perpetrators forcibly entered the vehicle and later fled in a crowded area, recording the incident to blackmail the actress.

There are ten individuals accused in the case, including Dileep, who is the eighth accused. He was arrested and jailed but was later granted bail by the court. The case remains unresolved.

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Credits: Freepik

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