Kerala HC asks why one person's interest should prevent Hema Committee report release

Kochi: The single bench of the Kerala High Court made an oral observation on Wednesday questioning why the Hema Committee Report should not be released due to the interests of a single individual. Justice V.G. Arun inquired whether the matter did not serve the public interest. This observation arose during the hearing of a petition filed by producer Sajimon Parayil, a resident of Ernakulam, challenging the release of the report.

The petitioner's lawyer stated that an explanation on this issue could be provided. The counsel for the RTI Commission argued that the Division Bench had already clarified that the petition did not serve a public interest. The case has been adjourned to August 6 for a detailed hearing. Until then, the interim order preventing the report’s release will remain in effect, meaning there is a stay on its publication until August 6.

The Hema Committee Report addresses various issues faced by women in the Malayalam film industry. Just hours before its scheduled release on July 24, the High Court stayed the State Information Commission's order directing the State Government to release the report. This decision followed Sajimon’s legal challenge, and the stay was initially set to last for one week.  The new development comes at this juncture.