It took 5 years and shows covering up misogyny is the norm for Governments
In 2017, the Kerala government established the Justice K. Hema Committee following a petition by the ‘Women in Cinema Collective’ to investigate the pressing issues faced by women in the Malayalam film industry. After two years of rigorous inquiry, the committee submitted its report in 2019. However, the findings were kept under wraps, leaving many to speculate about the depth of the issues uncovered.
The Justice Hema Committee’s report is a 295-page report based on the testimony of 51 industry professionals. It documented disturbing accounts of harassment, exploitation, and mistreatment of female professionals in the industry. The report revealed the existence of a “criminal gang” controlling Malayalam cinema, allegedly squeezing out women who refuse to yield to their demands. Furthermore, the report pointed to a “power nexus” involving a select group of producers, directors, actors, and production controllers, creating an environment where gender-based exploitation thrives.
Despite its significance, the report was not made public until the State Information Commission (SIC) allowed its partial release under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, ensuring that personal information was redacted. This decision was met with resistance, as film producer Sajimon Parayil challenged the release in the Kerala High Court. However, on August 13, Justice VG Arun dismissed his petition, clearing the way for the report’s public dissemination.
Actress Ranjini, who bravely provided testimony to the committee during its investigation, later challenged the August 13 order, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in addressing the systemic harassment in Malayalam cinema.
The release of this report is seen as a crucial step toward bringing justice to the countless women who have faced abuse and exploitation within the industry.
Via: Times of India and Bar and Bench
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