Can Kerala Government Rise Above Lip Service After Hema Committee Report?
26.08..2024: The release of the Justice Hema Committee Report has sent shockwaves through Kerala, exposing the rampant sexual abuse and poor working conditions faced by women in the Malayalam film industry. The 290-page report reveals a deeply entrenched culture of exploitation, where the male-dominated power structure preys on women with impunity. However, the real question remains: will this damning report lead to substantive change, or will it be swept under the rug like so many before it?
Resignations Amid Scandal
The report’s release has already had immediate consequences. On Sunday, actor and producer Siddique resigned as general secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA), followed by noted filmmaker Ranjith stepping down as chairman of the Kerala Chalachitra Academy. Both men faced allegations of sexual harassment and assault, highlighting the toxic environment that women in the industry have long endured. Activists celebrated these resignations as a small victory in the fight against systemic abuse.
Will the Report Spark Change?
Despite the report’s explosive revelations, there is skepticism about whether it will lead to real change within the Kerala film industry. The Justice Hema Committee was established in 2017 after a prominent actress was sexually assaulted, allegedly at the behest of a well-known actor. The Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) played a crucial role in pushing the government to form the committee, which eventually delivered its findings in December 2019. However, the Kerala government chose to withhold the report, citing “sensitive information” and concerns about privacy.
Kerala Government’s Response
The state’s reluctance to publish the report until a court order forced its release, albeit with redactions, raises questions about its commitment to addressing the issue. The report paints a disturbing picture of an industry controlled by powerful male figures who exploit women, forcing them to “adjust” and “compromise” in exchange for work. Women are not only subjected to sexual harassment but are also poorly paid and denied basic rights, such as contractual safeguards and access to facilities like toilets and changing rooms.
The Culture of Silence
The report also highlights the pervasive culture of silence in the Malayalam film industry. Women who dare to speak out against the abuse face severe repercussions, including losing work and being viciously trolled on social media. This climate of fear ensures that most women remain silent, further entrenching the cycle of exploitation.
Despite the outcry following the report’s release, the Pinarayi Vijayan government initially refused to take action against the accused, insisting that it would only do so if a formal complaint was lodged. This stance was widely criticized, given that many women are reluctant to go public with such complaints. In response to mounting pressure, the government has now set up a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the allegations.
A Chance for Real Change
While the formation of the SIT is a step in the right direction, it remains to be seen whether its findings will lead to concrete action. The Justice Hema Committee Report offers a unique opportunity to hold the guilty accountable and implement reforms that make the Malayalam film industry a safer, more equitable place for women.
However, the real test lies in whether the Kerala government will rise to the challenge or merely pay lip service to the issue, waiting for the storm to pass before returning to business as usual. The stakes are high, and the women of the Malayalam film industry deserve more than just empty promises—they deserve justice and a safe working environment.
The world is watching, and it’s time for the Kerala government to take decisive action. Will they seize this opportunity, or will the Justice Hema Committee Report become just another forgotten chapter in the history of systemic abuse?