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VD Satheesan, Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, on Friday slammed the Assembly Speaker AN Shamseer for not allowing the Opposition UDF's adjournment motion demanding a discussion over Hema Committee report.
"This is the Speaker's discretionary power. If a matter affecting women like this is not discussed in the Assembly, it is a disgrace to the House. The Opposition strongly protests this decision," Satheesan told reporters. Earlier in the day, The UDF MLA KK Rama moved the adjournment motion notice in the Assembly, demanding a discussion on the alleged failure on the part of the state government to register cases against those who have been accused in the Justice Hema Committee report of sexual assaults including against minors. Rama said in the notice that there was concern among the public on account of not investigating the crimes against women including POSCO ones that were revealed in the Justice Hema Committee report which studied the issues faced by women in the Malayalam film industry. Rama alleged that without conducting the investigation, the Left government tried to shield the culprits. On Wednesday, Minister for Cultural Affairs Saji Cheriyan clarified in the Assembly that the government has not withheld any part of the Hema Committee report. The report, submitted in 2019, was thoroughly examined before certain parts, particularly those affecting personal privacy, were omitted, he had said. This action was in accordance with recommendations from the State Information Commissioner, and later, the Kerala High Court. Cheriyan was responding to a question from the opposition during the question hour. Cherian said, "The government did not hold back any portion of the report to protect anyone. The report was submitted after instructions from the High Court. The Hema Committee itself had recommended not releasing sensitive personal information, which was later supported by the state Information Commissioner's directive. We followed those guidelines, and no pages have been hidden from public access." The opposition, led by Leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan, accused the government of deliberately withholding parts of the report to protect certain individuals. Satheesan argued that the lack of action by the government since the report's submission showed that the government was shielding the guilty. "Once the report is submitted, it is up to the government to act. The fact that no action has been taken shows serious negligence," Satheesan remarked. However, Cheriyan highlighted that Kerala was the first state in India to establish a committee to address issues in the film industry. He also noted that Karnataka is now considering setting up a similar committee, inspired by Kerala's initiative. Cherian assured that the government is committed to resolving the issues raised in the report. "We are exploring the possibility of drafting a new law to address the problems in the film industry. The Law Department's opinion has been sought, and if feasible, a new law will be implemented," he said. Law Minister P Rajeev further clarified that the police submitted the report to DGP and the High Court had raised concerns about proceeding with the case when the victims themselves expressed disinterest in moving forward. Cherian also revealed plans to hold a conclave to discuss the matter, engaging all stakeholders in a dialogue to find lasting solutions. (ANI)
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