Justice Hema Report Reveals Failures in Film Justice

Justice Hema Report Reveals Failures in Film Justice

Why in the News?

The Kerala police have dropped 35 sexual assault cases linked to the Malayalam film industry after the Justice Hema Committee report was finally released in August 2024, exposing systemic exploitation and lack of support for survivors to pursue legal action.

Background of the Justice Hema Committee:

• Formed in July 2017 after the abduction and assault of a popular Malayalam actress.
• Sparked by a petition from the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) to Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan.
• Headed by Justice K Hema, with K B Valsalakumari and actor T Sarada as members.
• Mandated to investigate gender discrimination and harassment in the Malayalam film industry.
• Submitted report in December 2019, but it was not released for over 4 years.

Findings and Public Reaction to the Report

• The report exposed a toxic work culture, including the casting couch, vulgar comments, and physical harassment.
• Many survivors feared retaliation, hence did not report abuse earlier.
• After the controlled release of the report in August 2024, many women came forward with their stories.
• The report put pressure on AMMA (Malayalam Film Artistes Association) as several members were named.
• Kerala police registered around 60 suo-motu cases based on testimonies.

Why the Cases Were Dropped and Way Forward

• 35 cases dropped citing lack of evidence and non-cooperation by survivors.
• Many women did not want formal police involvement, just to share experiences.
• Survivors expressed disappointment, citing ongoing defamation cases and lack of systemic support.
• Women demand institutional reforms, internal complaints committees, and non-policing-based grievance redressal mechanisms.
• Experts say police action alone is insufficient for addressing entrenched industry sexism.