THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The law department has returned the draft bill prepared by the cultural department to set up a permanent commission with the power of the civil court to prevent labour exploitation in the Malayalam film industry. The Law Department returned the file a month ago, questioning whether another commission was feasible while there are similar commissions, including the Women's Commission, to consider such matters. The Department of Cultural Affairs forwarded the file to the office of the Minister. It is learned that the file was handed over to the Chief Minister's office.

Based on the report of the Justice Hema Commission which studied the labour exploitation of women in Malayalam cinema, the Department of Cultural Affairs prepared a draft law and sent it to the Law Department for consideration. The bill, which provides for summons to summon the accused and issue a warrant in case of non-appearance, also stipulates that the chairman of the commission should be a person in the capacity of a judicial officer.

The commission system has the power to make recommendations only, which is a limitation. Commissions do not have executive power. There is a growing need for such a system.

Justice Hema Commission recommended a tribunal

There should be a special tribunal to deal with sexual harassment complaints in the film industry. Special legislation should be enacted.

At present, the Prevention of Sexual Abuse of Women and Children Act (POSH Act) must be effectively enforced.

The report was submitted 2 years ago

After an actress was attacked in 2017, a commission was set up to study the exploitation of women in the film industry at the request of Women in Cinema Collective. The report was submitted to the government on December 31, 2019. The government has not yet released key recommendations and findings in the 300-page report.

The commission took statements from director Anjali Menon and actor Dileep, the accused in the case of attacking the actress. Many protested, including Actress Parvathy Thiruvoth, against keeping the report under wraps.