Kochi: The ongoing delay in making the Hema Committee report public is creating various complications. Reports suggest that several artists who had provided statements before the Committee may seek copies of the report through court or government channels, a move that could indefinitely postpone release.
The report, which is based on the statements of 51 persons—many of whom detailed incidents of harassment on movie sets—has become a source of concern within the film industry. Earlier, actor Ranjini moved court seeking a copy of the report. These sensitive statements are not included in the portions the government plans to release, but filmmakers fear that if complainants obtain transcripts, some may misuse them.
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A senior film director expressed the view that the report might not be released until after the local body elections, adding that legal action could be taken against a few based on the statements. He compared the situation to the arrest of actor Dileep.
Sources connected to the RTI Commission have indicated that the increasing number of petitions to block the report’s release could prompt the court to seek the report, leading to legal proceedings.
The government’s approach to handling this situation is seen as critical. There is speculation that Justice Hema may have handed over the complaints to the police during the evidence-collection process. The Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), a group advocating for women in the Malayalam film industry, has also raised concerns about the committee’s effectiveness, alleging that it did not function properly.
