Thiruvananthapuram: Culture minister Saji Cherian said on Tuesday former HC judge K Hema, the chairperson of the three-member committee, which looked into the problems faced by women working in Malayalam cinema , had insisted that the committee’s report be kept confidential and that the govt was only respecting her request. The minister was responding to criticisms that the govt sought to keep the report under wraps to avoid taking action against the perpetrators of crimes documented in detail by the committee. He asserted that the govt should not be held responsible for the decision to withhold the report’s release.
Cherian noted that the state information commission, which recently ordered the release of the report, had previously opposed its disclosure. “We have made no attempt to gain political advantage from the report. In fact, the govt has already begun implementing its recommendations.
Over the past one-and-a-half years, the govt has been in discussions with various organizations within the film industry. These discussions have led to the decision to organize a Cinema Conclave,” the minister stated. He also mentioned that no actress has brought any complaints to him during the last three-and-a-half years.
Cherian emphasized that women in the film industry are welcome to file complaints, and any such grievances will be addressed. “The recommendations in the report also require legal vetting. The govt is committed to taking strict action if any complaints are filed,” he stated.
We also published the following articles recently Govt not to blame for Hema report delay: Cherian The Culture Minister, Saji Cherian, addressed criticisms regarding the confidentiality of a report on issues faced by women in Malayalam cinema. He explained that the confidentiality was at the request of former HC judge K Hema. The government has been implementing the report's recommendations and welcomes any complaints from actresses, promising strict action if filed.
V Muraleedharan seeks Saji Cherians resignation BJP leader V Muraleedharan accused the Kerala government of shielding culprits by withholding the Hema Committee report for nearly five years. He demanded the resignation of Culture Minister Saji Cherian for failing to deliver justice to women in the Malayalam film industry, despite knowing of serious sexual offenses. Muraleedharan also criticized CPM member AK Balan for allegedly protecting perpetrators.
Govt will take action if any woman files a complaint: CM The Kerala state government vowed legal action against perpetrators if any woman who testified before the Hema Committee files a complaint. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan clarified that the report was not suppressed but rather withheld due to privacy concerns. The government pledged to address illegal practices in the film industry, including harassment, fraud, and abuse.
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