Kerala Assembly Debates Justice Hema Committee Report on Film Industry Issues
In Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, the United Democratic Front MLA KK Rama has called for a discussion in the Kerala Assembly regarding the alleged failure of the state government to take action against those accused in the Justice Hema Committee report. This report highlights sexual assaults, including those against minors, within the Malayalam film industry.
Rama expressed public concern over the lack of investigation into these crimes, accusing the Left government of protecting the culprits. In response, Minister for Cultural Affairs Saji Cheriyan clarified that the government has not withheld any part of the report. He explained that certain sensitive parts were omitted following recommendations from the State Information Commissioner and the Kerala High Court.
Leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan accused the government of deliberately withholding parts of the report to protect certain individuals, citing negligence due to inaction since the report’s submission. Cheriyan countered by highlighting Kerala’s pioneering role in addressing film industry issues and mentioned plans for a new law and a conclave to discuss solutions.
Law Minister P Rajeev added that the police submitted the report to the DGP, and the High Court raised concerns about proceeding with cases when victims were unwilling to continue. Cheriyan assured that the government is committed to resolving the issues raised in the report.
Doubts Revealed
Kerala Assembly -: The Kerala Assembly is a group of elected representatives who make laws and decisions for the state of Kerala in India.
Justice Hema Committee -: The Justice Hema Committee was formed to investigate and report on issues, including sexual assaults, in the Malayalam film industry.
MLA -: MLA stands for Member of Legislative Assembly, which is a person elected by the people to represent them in the state government.
Malayalam film industry -: The Malayalam film industry, also known as Mollywood, is the segment of Indian cinema dedicated to producing movies in the Malayalam language, primarily in the state of Kerala.
Sexual assaults -: Sexual assaults refer to unwanted or forced sexual actions against someone, which is a serious crime.
Minister Saji Cheriyan -: Saji Cheriyan is a politician in Kerala who holds a position in the state government, responsible for certain duties and decisions.
Opposition leader -: The opposition leader is the head of the political party or group that is not in power and often challenges the government’s actions and decisions.
VD Satheesan -: VD Satheesan is a politician in Kerala who is currently serving as the leader of the opposition in the Kerala Assembly.
Conclave -: A conclave is a meeting or gathering where people discuss important issues and try to find solutions.