Hema Committee report

The Justice Hema Committee was established by the Government of Kerala following Kerala-based Women in Cinema Collective's (WCC) petition in response to the 2017 actress assault case in the Malayalam cinema. Led by retired Kerala High Court Judge Justice K. Hema, the committee also included veteran actress Sarada and retired IAS officer K.B. Valsala Kumari.

The committee's mandate was to investigate and address issues within the Malayalam film industry, focusing on the safety, dignity, and working conditions of women. Its formation followed numerous allegations of harassment, discrimination, and abuse faced by female professionals in the industry.

History

The committee was headed by the former Judge of Kerala High Court, Retired Justice K. Hema, to investigate issues of sexual harassment and gender equality in Malayalam cinema. The committee submitted its report in December 2019 and on 19 August 2024, the report was made available to the public.

The Kerala government released the 233-page Justice K Hema Committee Report on August 19, 2024. The report released under the RTI Act, after removing 63 pages from the 295-page initial report, the report reveals the existence of an all-male power group of 15 top people in the industry, including directors, producers and actors in the Malayalam industry. According to the report, the power group determined who should stay in the industry and who would be cast in films.

Government's Handling of the Report

The Hema Committee Report was completed, but its release was delayed for several years by the Kerala government. This delay raised suspicions and concerns among industry professionals and the public. When the report was finally published, it was revealed that the government had removed certain paragraphs from the document. These removed sections were believed to contain sensitive information about specific individuals accused of harassment and abuse within the industry. The omission of these details led to further controversy, as it was seen as a way to protect influential figures in the industry.

The government's decision to withhold the full report and its eventual publication with redacted sections sparked widespread criticism. Many argued that the redacted information was crucial for addressing the deep-rooted issues within the Malayalam film industry and for ensuring justice for the victims.

Key Highlights of the Hema Committee Report

1. Harassment and Abuse:
   • The report highlighted the widespread issues of sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse faced by women in the Malayalam film industry. It pointed out that many women in the industry have experienced inappropriate behavior and have often been afraid to speak out due to fear of retaliation or career repercussions.
2. Working Conditions:
   • The committee found that the working conditions in the industry were often unfavorable, especially for women. This included long and irregular working hours, lack of basic amenities on set, and inadequate safety measures, which made the environment challenging and unsafe.
3. Gender Discrimination:
   • The report also shed light on gender discrimination in the industry, with women often being paid less than their male counterparts and receiving fewer opportunities for prominent roles. The committee emphasized the need for gender equality in all aspects of the film industry, from casting to payment.
4. Lack of Grievance Redressal Mechanisms:
   • One of the significant findings of the Hema Committee was the absence of a robust and effective grievance redressal system for women in the film industry. Many women felt there was no proper platform to report issues or seek justice, which contributed to the perpetuation of harassment and discrimination.
5. Recommendations:
   • The committee made several recommendations to improve the situation in the Malayalam film industry. These included:
     • Establishing a strong and independent body to address grievances related to harassment and discrimination.
     • Implementing strict codes of conduct on film sets to ensure the safety and dignity of all workers, especially women.
     • Providing gender sensitivity training to all members of the industry, including producers, directors, and actors.
     • Ensuring equal pay and opportunities for women in the industry.
     • Creating awareness about the legal rights of women working in the film industry.
6. Response from the Industry:
   • The Hema Committee's findings and recommendations sparked a significant debate within the Malayalam film industry. While some welcomed the report and called for immediate implementation of the recommendations, others were more resistant, citing concerns about the impact on the industry's functioning.

Impact

The Hema Committee Report brought much-needed attention to the issues faced by women in the Malayalam film industry. It has played a role in initiating conversations about the need for structural changes to ensure a safer and more equitable working environment for everyone in the industry. However, the extent to which the recommendations have been implemented remains a matter of ongoing concern and discussion.

Following the publication of the Hema Committee Report, despite the removal of sensitive sections by the Kerala government, the Malayalam film industry witnessed a surge of activism similar to the global #MeToo movement. This movement was driven by the increasing awareness and outcry over the systemic harassment, abuse, and discrimination faced by women in the industry, which the Hema Committee had exposed.

The #MeToo-Like Movement in the Malayalam Film Industry

1. Increased Awareness and Solidarity:
   • The publication of the Hema Committee Report, even in its redacted form, served as a catalyst for many women in the Malayalam film industry to speak out about their experiences of harassment and discrimination. It brought to light the prevalence of these issues and fostered a sense of solidarity among women who had previously felt isolated.
2. Formation of WCC (Women in Cinema Collective):
   • Prior to the report's publication, in 2017, a group of women from the Malayalam film industry formed the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC). The WCC played a pivotal role in advocating for the rights and safety of women in the industry. After the report was released, the WCC amplified its efforts, pushing for the implementation of the committee's recommendations and demanding greater accountability from the industry and the government.
3. Public Revelations and Allegations:
   • Following the report, several women came forward with their stories, naming individuals who had harassed or abused them. These revelations led to public discussions about the power dynamics in the industry and the systemic issues that allowed such behavior to continue unchecked. This wave of public testimonies was reminiscent of the global #MeToo movement, where survivors shared their experiences on social media and other platforms.
4. Pressure on the Industry and Government:
   • The #MeToo-like movement in Kerala put significant pressure on the Malayalam film industry and the state government to address the issues highlighted in the Hema Committee Report. There were calls for greater transparency, the establishment of a safe working environment, and the implementation of a zero-tolerance policy towards harassment.
5. Reforms and Backlash:
   • In response to the growing movement, some industry bodies and production houses began to adopt stricter policies to prevent harassment and promote gender equality. However, there was also backlash, with some individuals and groups within the industry resisting the changes, arguing that the movement was disrupting the status quo.
6. Long-Term Impact:
   • The #MeToo-like movement in Kerala, inspired by the Hema Committee Report, marked a significant moment in the fight for gender equality in the Malayalam film industry. It led to greater awareness of the issues women face in the industry and initiated discussions about the need for systemic change. While the movement faced challenges and resistance, it helped create a more supportive environment for women to voice their concerns and seek justice.

Continuing the Fight

The movement following the Hema Committee Report has continued to influence the industry, with ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and dignity of women in Malayalam cinema. The combination of the committee's findings and the subsequent activism has been crucial in pushing for reforms and holding those in power accountable.

Revelations

Following the Hema Committee Report, numerous actresses and other female workers in the Malayalam film industry came forward to share their harrowing experiences with various industry figures.

1. Sreelekha Mitra revealed a disturbing encounter with Malayalam film director Ranjith Balakrishnan. In response to these allegations, Ranjith resigned from his position as Chairman of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy. The alleged incident occurred during the production of the 2009 film Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha.
2. Revathy Sampath disclosed inappropriate behavior from Malayalam film actors Siddique and Riyaz Khan. Subsequently, Siddique stepped down as General Secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA).
3. Geetha Vijayan shared her negative experiences with Malayalam film director Thulasidas and producer Aroma Mohan during the filming of Chanchattam in 1991.
4. Sridevika also recounted a distressing encounter with Malayalam film director Thulasidas while working on the film Avan Chandiyude Makan in 2007.
5. An anonymous young scriptwriter came forward with allegations against Malayalam film director V. K. Prakash.
6. Minu Muneer described inappropriate behavior from Malayalam film actors Jayasurya, Mukesh, Maniyanpilla Raju and Edavela Babu.
7. Amrutha, a junior artist shared a negative experience with Malayalam film director V. A. Shrikumar and actor Baburaj Jacob..
8. Sandhya, a junior artist shared a negative experience for her friends mother with Malayalam film actor Mukesh.