Thu Nov 07 09:14:04 UTC 2024: ## Kerala High Court Appoints Amicus Curiae to Assist in Drafting Laws to Protect Women in Entertainment Industry

**Kochi, November 7, 2024:** The Kerala High Court has taken significant steps towards safeguarding women in the entertainment industry, appointing lawyer Mitha Sudhindran as amicus curiae to gather suggestions from stakeholders. This move comes as the State government assures the court that the preliminary inquiry into cases stemming from the Hema Committee report, which exposed widespread sexual exploitation in the industry, will be completed by December-end.

The Special Division Bench, comprising Justices A.K. Jayasankaran Nambiar and C.S. Sudha, emphasized the need for “maximum number of feminine perspectives” to ensure the legislation being drafted adequately addresses the concerns of women working in the field.

The court recognizes that existing laws often lack the necessary perspective to effectively address issues faced by women in the entertainment industry. The appointment of an amicus curiae ensures that the voices of women are heard and their experiences are factored into the legislation.

The State government, in its progress report, informed the court that 26 FIRs have been registered based on the Hema Committee report. However, five survivors have expressed their unwillingness to proceed with the cases. The SIT is actively trying to contact the actual survivors in three cases where individuals claim the statements attributed to them are fabricated.

The High Court’s proactive approach, including the appointment of an amicus curiae and the emphasis on gathering diverse perspectives, signals a strong commitment to ensuring a safer and more equitable work environment for women in the entertainment industry. The upcoming legislation holds the potential for significant positive change.

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