The Justice Hema Committee report, released after nearly five years, has sparked significant criticism. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor condemned the Kerala government for delaying the report's release and called it "utterly shameful and shocking." Additionally, BJP leader V. Muraleedharan accused the Kerala government of deliberately hiding the report for five years, suggesting that the government sought to protect those accused of harassment.
In his remarks, Tharoor highlighted the tarnished reputation of Kerala's film industry, which has long been celebrated both nationally and internationally for its distinguished directors, artists, and overall contribution to cinema.
Shashi Tharoor On Hema Committee Report
Shashi Tharoor expressed dismay that such a respected industry has been implicated in creating an unsafe working environment for women, perpetuating a culture of intimidation, blackmail, and worse. "It is unforgivable," Tharoor stated, "to see an industry of this caliber brought down by such grievous misconduct."
Tharoor also emphasized the broader implications for Kerala, a state historically proud of its progressive stance on women's education and empowerment. "This is not what Kerala is supposed to be all about," he said, underscoring the state's long-standing commitment to educating and empowering women, a legacy that dates back over 200 years.
He further called for the report to be fully aired, discussed, and acted upon, regardless of the consequences for influential figures within the industry. Tharoor stressed the courage it takes for women to come forward with complaints, often risking their reputations and careers. "These women have taken a significant risk by speaking out, and their bravery demands that these issues be addressed with the seriousness they deserve," he added.
BJP Accuses Kerala Govt Of 'Hiding' Report For Past 5 Years
On Justice Hema report, V. Muraleedharan said, "The hema committee report which was submitted almost five years ago. The government hid it from not only the public view or the public purview, but the government decided not to take any action on the specific instances of harassment that came to the light of the commission."
"The commission itself says that we are shocked to hear the incidents of harassment against women, even the harassment against children...These incidents also bring out the fact that the state government was trying to protect those people who were accused of harassing women and children," he said.
The Justice Hema Committee report sheds light on the alarming extent of sexual harassment and gender discrimination in the Malayalam film industry. The committee was formed in 2019, following the high-profile 2017 assault case involving actor Dileep, to investigate these serious allegations within Malayalam cinema.