Kochi: In a significant move, the Kerala government informed the High Court that it has registered 26 First Information Reports (FIRs) based on the findings of the Justice Hema Committee report, which highlights the troubling conditions faced by women in the Malayalam film industry. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) was established after the court took note of the report, and FIRs have been registered under Section 173 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. Additionally, the state disclosed that 10 preliminary investigations are ongoing, and four other cases are under active SIT inquiry.
The court was presented with a detailed investigation update by a Special Bench, including Justices A.K. Jayasankaran Nambiar and C.S. Sudha. During the last hearing, the court urged the SIT to respond appropriately to the reported cognizable offenses, emphasizing the necessity of prompt action. A total of 40 complaints had been received initially, and in eight of the 26 FIRs filed so far, specific accused individuals are named, while 18 cases lack explicit names.
The Hema Committee report, which has caused a stir, is based on the testimonies of 51 industry insiders, exposing troubling details of harassment, exploitation, and unsafe working conditions for women, including issues like the casting couch. After its release in August, several former actresses publicly shared their negative experiences, leading police to register 11 FIRs against prominent industry figures. Those named in the investigations include actor-turned-legislator Mukesh Madhavan, actors Nivin Pauly and Jayasurya, and industry personalities like Edavela Babu, Maniyanpilla Raju, and directors Ranjith and Prakash. While some have secured relief from arrest through the courts, others, such as actor Siddique, only obtained pre-arrest bail after approaching the Supreme Court.
The ongoing judicial proceedings and SIT investigations aim to bring accountability within the industry and highlight the Kerala government’s commitment to addressing the systemic issues affecting women in the Malayalam film sector.
