State government has informed the high court that it will organise a Film conclave in August as part of the efforts to formulate a comprehensive policy for the Malayalam film industry.
Published Jun 10, 2025 | 12:12 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 10, 2025 | 12:12 PM
Kerala High Court. (iStock)
Synopsis: The Kerala SIT, investigating sexual harassment in the Malayalam film industry based on the Justice Hema Committee report, will submit its final report in ten days. Of 35 related cases, 21 are closed and only one charge sheet has been filed. The government will host a film conclave in August to draft a new policy, with legislation expected by October.
Kerala government appointed SIT probing sexual harassment allegations in the Malayalam film industry, based on the Justice Hema Committee report, has informed the Kerala High Court on Tuesday, 10 June, that it will submit it’s final report within ten days.
The Justice Hema Committee was set up in the aftermath of the 2017 actress assault case that triggered widespread outrage and exposed systemic issues faced by women in the Malayalam film industry.
The move comes after the SIT decided to drop several of the cases it had registered in connection with the findings of the Hema Committee.
According to officials, individuals who gave statements before the committee have shown no interest in pursuing the cases further. Of the 35 cases, 21 have already been closed and the reports submitted. The remaining cases are also expected to be closed shortly.
SIT has filed charge sheets in 26 of the 120 registered FIRs. Many cases remain stalled as survivors are unwilling to cooperate. The SIT has informed courts that investigations will resume if survivors come forward.
Of the 120 cases, 35 were based on the Hema Committee report and 85 stemmed from social media disclosures.
Only one charge sheet has been filed among the Hema report-based cases, involving a make-up artist.
Meanwhile, the state government has informed the high court that it will organise a Film conclave in August as part of the efforts to formulate a comprehensive policy for the Malayalam film industry.
The conclave will include discussions with all major stakeholders, including industry organisations, to frame recommendations.
Based on the outcomes of the conclave, the government aims to finalise the film policy by October and introduce supporting legislation soon after.
(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Dileep V Kumar.)
