Sat Feb 08 00:00:00 UTC 2025: **Supreme Court Upholds FIRs Based on Justice Hema Committee Depositions**
NEW DELHI, February 8, 2025 – The Supreme Court of India has refused to overturn a Kerala High Court order mandating the registration of First Information Reports (FIRs) based on testimonies given to the Justice Hema Committee. The committee investigated allegations of sexual abuse within the Malayalam film industry.
A Supreme Court bench, led by Justice Vikram Nath, ruled that police are obligated to register and investigate such offenses. The court’s decision, delivered on Friday, followed petitions filed by film producer Sajimon Parayil, who challenged the High Court’s directive. Parayil argued that the High Court’s order disregarded the wishes of several witnesses and victims who did not wish to pursue legal action after initially giving statements to the committee.
The Supreme Court clarified that its decision does not compel the registration of FIRs in cases where victims explicitly declined further action. The court’s judgment acknowledges the significant intimidation within the Malayalam film industry, noting that victims often remain silent due to fear of career repercussions and identification. The Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), representing victims, supported the High Court’s order, highlighting the years-long delay in addressing the issue and the systemic power imbalances within the industry. The Justice Hema Committee’s report, submitted years ago, is now the basis for pursuing legal action against the alleged perpetrators.
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