NEW DELHI: The Kerala High Court is set to form a five-judge special bench, including women judges, to address cases related to the Justice Hema Committee report, which examines harassment and exploitation in the Malayalam film industry.
This decision came after a plea was filed challenging a single judge's order that allowed the release of the report.
A bench consisting of acting Chief Justice A Muhamed Mustaque and Justice S Manu made this decision while considering an appeal by Sajimon Parayil, a film producer, against the single judge's ruling.
On August 13, the single judge dismissed Parayil's plea, which contested the State Information Commission's directive to make the report public, ensuring individual privacy was protected.
"The special bench would also comprise women judges," stated a lawyer associated with the petition.
The State Information Commission had earlier, on July 5, directed the State Public Information Officer (SPIO) to disseminate the report's information reasonably without compromising privacy. Parayil's challenge to this order led to the single judge's decision, which he then appealed.
The Justice Hema Committee was established by the Kerala government following the 2017 actress assault case. Its report brought to light numerous instances of harassment and exploitation faced by women in the Malayalam cinema industry.
In response to the serious allegations raised by the report, the state government announced the formation of a seven-member special investigation team on August 25 to further investigate these claims.
A lawyer involved with the petition said, "The special bench would also comprise women judges," reflecting the High Court's oral observations.
The High Court's formation of a special bench reflects the significance tied to the Justice Hema Committee's findings, emphasizing the legal system's active role in addressing the issues revealed in the report.
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