‘You could have shown more responsibility’: Mala Parvathy's open letter to Parvathy Thiruvothu

Actress Mala Parvathy has written an open letter to actress Parvathy Thiruvoth, who recently mocked the Government’s take on ending the case registered based on the Hema Committee Report. Mala Parvathy, in her open letter, unfolds the confusion on the thought of how one could say that legal action should be taken without moving court and filing a complaint, which is an inappropriate claim.

The full version letter

An open letter to my beloved Parvathy Thiruvoth

One can only look at Parvathy Thiruvoth's question with amazement as to what the government has done in the past five years. The formation of the Hema Committee, the formation of the SIT, the activities of the WCC, the things the academy is doing to bring more women into the industry, the draft document discussions, etc are being neglected by you. Our government is much ahead in thinking and implementing various programs which other state governments are not much into such issues. So, you could have shown more responsibility while questioning the government.

I told my colleague’s bad experience in front of the Hema Committee with the intention that no other women entering the industry face the same and I also felt that the committee must be aware of all such happenings inside the cinema world and none to be missed.

I was in utter shock when an FIR was put up in that case. When I went to disclose my work experience, I got upset that the witnesses had no knowledge of the issue and this thing was causing difficulties in their lives. But, what hurt me most was the FIR charged for her statement. I came to know it when I went to SIT to give my statement. So, I immediately called the girl on the phone and she was very angry at me. She addressed me as the troublemaker in her life and forced me to pursue the committee to withdraw the case. To solve this dilemma, I approached the Supreme Court. I needed a clearer view on this issue rather than judging the right or wrong. And yes, the court made the right decision.

When I filed the case Ajitha… a person whom I love the most said to me in a serious tone raised concerns in my mind too. Ajithechi said that the strength of this struggle should not be lost because of this case. She warned that this should hinder those who filed the complaint in the Hema Committee from moving forward with the case. When I said that it would not be a hindrance, Ajithechi replied, 'Then it is fine.'

At that time I couldn’t realise that most of the people who approached the Hema Committee would not cooperate with SIT. I got notices three times to appear before the court just like others. Since I had an ongoing case at the Supreme Court then, I couldn’t go there. But, many of my colleagues who were strong enough also didn’t go to give the statements which really surprised me.

Till this moment I don't understand the logic of saying that legal action should be taken without going to court or stating the complaint ourselves. What should the government have done? Should the case be registered and the accused punished as per the statements given only to the Hema Committee, without any further space for questions and answers? Should the government take a stand against Natural Justice?

Revathi Sampath is still conducting the case which is an example. The public is also supporting her. So I feel there is no point in raising threats like ‘If you go to court, you will lose your chance at the movie’, ‘your life will be in threat’, or ‘What he said is enough. Let there be action now.’ which cannot be accepted at any cost.

I have the utmost respect for WCC and Parvathy which till now has not changed. I think there needs some more clearer picture of the statements that they say.

Just because women say these statements, it doesn't mean an action is to be taken. ‘Right To Be Heard’ is a fundamental principle that the government needs to provide for both men and women. And the draft report.... everyone knows that it is happening. I wonder if the sarcasm is relevant in the current scenario.