Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan criticizes Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for lying about not releasing the Hema Committee report on sexual exploitation in the Malayalam film industry. The report was only made public due to a prolonged legal battle. Satheesan accuses the CM and the state government of deliberately withholding the names of the accused, and demands a proper investigation by a team of the Kerala Police led by a woman IPS officer. He also reminds Vijayan of his legal obligation to act upon the report's findings.
Justice Hema Committee Report on Sexual Exploitation in Malayalam Film Industry: A Timeline of Events
In 2017, the Kerala State Women's Commission constituted a committee headed by Justice Hema to investigate allegations of sexual exploitation in the Malayalam film industry. The committee submitted its report in 2019, but its findings were kept confidential.
Demand for Report's Release
In 2020, a petition was filed in the Kerala High Court seeking the release of the report. The court ordered the state government to make it public within three months. However, the government sought an extension, which was granted by the court.
Legal Battle and Report's Release
In 2021, the High Court again directed the government to publish the report within two weeks. The government challenged this order in the Supreme Court, but the court upheld the High Court's decision.
Finally, on August 2, 2022, the Kerala government released the Justice Hema Committee report. It contained a list of 16 persons, including actors, directors, and producers, against whom allegations of sexual exploitation had been substantiated.
Opposition's Criticism
The Leader of Opposition, V.D. Satheesan, has criticized Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for allegedly withholding the report for political reasons. He has also demanded a comprehensive investigation by the Kerala Police, led by a woman IPS officer.
FAQs and Answers
Q1: What is the Justice Hema Committee Report?
A: It is a report that investigates allegations of sexual exploitation in the Malayalam film industry.
Q2: When was the report submitted?
A: It was submitted in 2019.
Q3: Why was the report kept confidential?
A: The Kerala government has not provided a clear explanation for this.
Q4: Who are the persons named in the report?
A: The report lists 16 individuals against whom allegations of sexual exploitation have been substantiated.
Q5: What is the current status of the investigation?
A: The Kerala Police is yet to initiate a comprehensive investigation based on the report's findings.
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