Former advocate criticises director for failure of state government to probe after receiving reports of sexual harassment in film industry
Thiruvananthapuram: As debate continues over the Justice Hema Commission report released on Monday, experts have criticised the state government for its laxity. A report submitted nearly five years ago highlighted cases of sexual harassment faced by female actors. Experts argue that the government has failed to take necessary legal action against the culprits.
Former advocate director V.C. Ismail expressed displeasure over the government’s inaction. “After receiving the report clearly highlighting sexual harassment faced by female artistes, the government should have immediately ordered the state police chief to launch an inquiry,” he said. Ismail said the government could have voluntarily registered the case, which would have sent a strong message in favour of the victims and encouraged them to come forward with their complaints. “The government, perhaps due to vested interests, decided to suppress the report,” he said.
Ismail also pointed out that the police may voluntarily register cases, but a viable complainant is needed to take the legal process forward. “If the victims are not willing to cooperate with the police, the police will face criticism and find themselves in a difficult situation. If the government had announced an investigation early, the victims would have had the courage to give their statements. The delay in starting legal proceedings also raises questions,” he said.
Former chief executive D. Asaf Ali suggested that the government should recommend a probe by a central agency due to the serious allegations made by the female artistes. He said, “Prima facie, there is evidence that cognisable offences have been committed over several years and at different places. Only a specialised team of central agencies can effectively investigate these allegations.” Asaf Ali criticised the government for suppressing the report for years and accused the Information Commissioner of failing to review the report for critical material, leaving the responsibility to the government.
A retired senior police officer said the government could have taken more meaningful steps while the report was under consideration. “The judiciary could have set up an arbitral tribunal to address the various issues raised by artistes, ensure better working conditions for artistes, investigate the working conditions of the often exploited junior artistes and call meetings of all stakeholders to address their concerns. However, the government’s indecisive attitude has prevented any constructive action in the last few years,” said a former IPS officer.
Criticism of the government’s delay and inaction continues as experts stress the need for immediate and decisive action to address the serious allegations highlighted in the Justice Hema Commission report.
