The Kerala High Court ordered the appointment of a Nodal Officer by the SIT to manage threat complaints linked to the Hema Committee report on harassment in the film industry. Actor Siddique, facing serious allegations, received interim protection from arrest. The case has intensified scrutiny of industry practices, highlighting the need for accountability and support for victims.
Kerala: The Kerala High Court on Wednesday (Nov 27th) directed the Special Investigation Team (SIT), probing cases linked to the Hema Committee report, to appoint a Nodal Officer to handle complaints from individuals receiving threat messages. The Hema Committee was constituted following a 2017 sexual assault case involving an actor, with its report submitted to the Chief Minister on December 31, 2019.
Actor Siddique, accused in a high-profile rape case, received an extension of interim protection from arrest by the Supreme Court on November 12. A bench comprising Justices Bela M. Trivedi and Satish Chandra Sharma granted relief until the next hearing.
Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing Siddique, argued that the investigating agency repeatedly questioned him about his phone and laptop from 2016, which he no longer possesses. Responding to the court’s inquiry, the Kerala Government admitted Siddique had been appearing for questioning but accused him of non-cooperation.
Justice Sharma observed that Siddique claimed to have handed over his old phone to a shop after purchasing a new one. Siddique sought anticipatory bail from the Supreme Court following the Kerala High Court’s rejection of his application.
Siddique was booked under charges of rape and criminal intimidation on August 27, based on a complaint by a young actor. While Siddique has categorically denied the allegations, the case has drawn significant attention amidst the ongoing “Me Too” movement in the Malayalam film industry.
The allegations prompted Siddique to resign as General Secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA). Following his resignation, the entire 17-member executive committee of AMMA also stepped down.
The SIT is investigating multiple cases arising from the Hema Committee report, which highlighted systemic issues of harassment in the film industry. To protect individuals linked to these cases, the Kerala High Court’s directive to appoint a Nodal Officer will streamline complaints related to threats and safeguard the process of justice.
The movement has spotlighted serious accusations against prominent figures in the Malayalam film industry, including director Ranjith and actors Mukesh, Jayasurya, and Edavela Babu.
As the investigation unfolds, the court’s directives aim to uphold justice while addressing the systemic challenges in ensuring accountability within the industry.
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