Kerala Assembly LoP VD Satheesan demands investigation into Hema Committee Report

Kochi (Kerala) [India] August 24 (ANI): Kerala Assembly Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan on Saturday demanded an investigation into the shocking allegations about the Malayalam film industry detailed in the Justice Hema Committee Report.

Justice Hema Committee report, based on testimonies from 51 industry professionals has revealed details about the exploitation of women, including the existence of casting couches and poor working conditions in the Malayalam film industry.

Speaking to ANI, LoP VD Satheesan, said, “The government knows the fact that a series of offences have been committed. Despite knowing all this, the government is not taking any action. They are not ready to make an investigation team. We demand the government to constitute an investigation team.”

Congress leader Satheesan also alleged that Kerala Culture Minister Saji Charan was “trying to avoid” an investigation and demanded that he resign immediately.

“Kerala Culture Minister Saji Cherian is trying to avoid an investigation into the recommendations and revelations of the Hema Committee. He has been trying to make some changes to the report. He is now violating his oath and trying to protect all the culprits in this case. So he has to resign. The opposition UDF demands his resignation,” Satheesan said.

Last week a redacted version on the Justice Hema Committee report on harassment faced by women in Malayalam cinema industry was made public. It has recorded shocking accounts of harassment, exploitation and ill-treatment of women professionals.

The 235-page report, published after redacting the names of the witnesses as well as the accused, notes that the Malayalam film industry is under the clutches of the about 10 to 15 male producers, directors and actors who are in the forefront and control the industry.

The committee’s report confirms the rumoured existence of the practice of “casting couch” in the industry. It is based on testimonies from 51 industry professionals, reveals shocking details about the exploitation of women, including the existence of casting couches and poor working conditions.

It states that harassment begins at the outset, with women being asked to make “adjustments” and “compromises”-euphemisms for sexual favours-to secure roles.

The Committee also found that women are denied basic human rights, such as access to toilets and changing rooms, even on sets. Women often have to find secluded spots to change or use the bathroom during outdoor shoots, with no access to water or basic facilities.

The Hema Committee was formed in response to a 2017 sexual assault case involving an actor and submitted its report to the Chief Minister on December 31, 2019.