‘Hema Committee Report Says Communist Party Leaders Involved’: Nadda Slams Kerala Govt Over ‘Delay’ In Justice

Hema Committee Report: JP Nadda criticised the Kerala government for 'delaying' justice in alleged sexual harassment cases in Malayalam film industry. Nadda claims that Communist Party leaders are involved in the matter.

File Photo of Union Minister and BJP National President Jagat Prakash Nadda

Source : @JPNadda

Union Minister and BJP National President Jagat Prakash Nadda has accused the Kerala government of delaying justice for victims of sexual harassment in the Malayalam film industry, following the release of the Hema Committee report. Speaking in Palakkad, Kerala, on Sunday, Nadda raised concerns about the state's inaction, alleging that Communist Party leaders are implicated in the matter.

"Why the delay in justice for the Hema Committee report? What is stopping them (the Kerala government)? What is haunting you? Because you are part and parcel of that...it is something you want to hide because your people are involved...I am very sorry to say that the Hema Committee report very specifically said that Communist Party leaders are involved. The Chief Minister should come out and tell what really happened," Nadda stated, as quoted by news agency ANI.

#WATCH | Kerala: During the interaction with eminent personalities from various fields in Palakkad, Union Minister and BJP National President JP Nadda says, " Why delay in justice to Hema committee report? What is stopping them ( Kerala govt)? What is haunting you? Because you… pic.twitter.com/VYujS5wzaC

— ANI (@ANI) September 1, 2024

Justice Hema Committee Report Puts Malayalam Film Industry Under Scanner Over Allegations Of Sexual Exploitation

The Justice Hema Committee report, which was partially disclosed last month, details disturbing accounts of harassment, exploitation, and mistreatment of women in the Malayalam film industry. The 235-page report, released after redacting the names of witnesses and accused individuals, highlights that the industry is dominated by approximately 10 to 15 male producers, directors, and actors who hold significant control.

Notably, the National Commission for Women (NCW) said that it has taken steps to seek full disclosure of the report in view of the allegations. 

The report, prepared by a three-member panel led by a former judge of the Kerala High Court and established by the state government in 2017, was submitted to the Pinrayi Vijayan-led Kerala government in December 2019 but was only made public recently. In response to the revelations, actor Mohanlal resigned as president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) due to the report's findings and associated sexual harassment allegations against some executive committee members.

On August 25, the Kerala government announced the formation of a seven-member special investigation team (SIT) to probe the case further.