Justice Hema Committee Proposes Special Law & Tribunal To "Liberate Women From Evils Of Malayalam Film Industry"
After much speculation, the Justice Hema Committee report was made public today. The Committee was constituted in 2017 by the Kerala Government to study and report on the issues faced by women working in the Malayalam film industry and to suggest solutions.
Feb 24, 2025, 07:52 IST
Justice Hema Committee suggested that issues faced by women in the film industry could only resolved by the enactment of a new statute.
In August 2024, the Justice Hema Committee released a comprehensive report addressing the challenges faced by women in the Malayalam film industry. Established in 2017 by the Kerala government following a high-profile actress assault case, the committee was tasked with investigating issues of sexual harassment and gender inequality within the industry. The report's findings highlighted systemic problems, including sexual harassment, abuse, inadequate workplace facilities, and a pervasive male-dominated power structure. To combat these issues, the committee proposed the enactment of a new law and the establishment of an independent tribunal dedicated to addressing grievances of women in cinema. This tribunal would operate confidentially, ensuring a safe environment for victims to report incidents without fear of retaliation. The report also recommended mandatory written contracts, gender awareness training, prohibition of alcohol and drugs on sets, and measures to reduce gender-based pay disparities. These recommendations aim to create a safer and more equitable working environment for women in the Malayalam film industry.