Hema committee report: Mystery looms over last-minute complaint from 'unknown petitioner'

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The omitted pages from 49 to 53 of the Hema committee report were to be released on Saturday. While media and others were awaiting the release, news came about a last-minute complaint which forced the commission to change plans. The identity of the petitioner is still in dark. This information will remain confidential pending the decision from the RTI Commission.

The first parts of the report caused a stir all around the state. The special investigation team appointed by the government was going ahead with the case when the announcement came about the omitted pages getting released on Saturday. But the 'unknown' petitioner spoiled the plans. According to reports, the same person who had filed the second appeal to the RTI Commission has now appeared with a last-minute intervention.

It is known that this petition will be considered by another bench, not by Information Commissioner Dr. A. Abdul Hakeem. Abdul Hakeem had heard all the other pleas and so, the current move raises doubts. Even people within the film industry are in two camps about taking legal measures minding the committee's findings. The government is also following a slow-paced move against cases registered.

It has been 5 years since the Hema Committee report came to the government, which recommended the formulation of a law to prevent violence in the film industry. On December 31, 2019, Justice Hema handed over the report to the Chief Minister with the recommendation that the Kerala Cine Employers and Employees Regulation should be formulated based on the revelations of the victims. The government promised that a law would be framed.