Political uproar in Kerala over Justice Hema Commission report on Malayalam film industry

The Justice Hema Committee report, which exposed severe harassment and sexual exploitation faced by women in the Malayalam film industry, triggered a political storm in Kerala on Tuesday. Opposition parties criticised the Left government for its silence and lack of action in the past four years despite receiving the report. However, the government reaffirmed its commitment to victims and said it had started implementing the committee’s recommendations.

The Congress-led UDF accused the government of possibly keeping the report confidential to protect the accused, and alleged that the Pinarayi Vijayan government was siding with the perpetrators instead of the victims. The BJP also criticised Cultural Affairs Minister Saji Cheriyan for not taking legal action against the accused despite receiving information about their crimes.

Cheriyan clarified that the government was on the side of the victims and stressed that the Supreme Court and the Information Commission decided which parts of the report should be made public. He said that all aspects of the report would be further discussed in a proposed cinema conclave. However, opposition parties remain skeptical, suspecting that the confidentiality of the report was meant to protect the accused.

(With input from agencies.)