Appoint nodal officer: Kerala High Court to SIT probing sexual harassment in Mollywood

The Kerala High Court on Tuesday directed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating complaints regarding sexual harassment in the Malayalam film industry to appoint a nodal officer who could be easily contacted with any concerns by victims/ complainants or witnesses [Women in Cinema Collective v State of Kerala & ors]..The Special Bench of Justices AK Jayasankaran Nambiar and CS Sudha today expressed concern about threats received by those who complained of sexual harassment after the release of the Hema Committee report.The Court suggested that such persons could get in touch with a nodal officer who could convey such concerns to the SIT. .The Court, therefore, instructed the SIT to immediately appoint a nodal officer whose contact details were to be made publicly available."It was pointed out that some of the victims who preferred complaints before the Hema Committee have since approached the SIT. Some of them have received intimidating calls and they can't approach the SIT as and when they get such threatening calls. Taking note of the same we deem it appropriate to direct the SIT to immediately nominate a nodal officer and give adequate publicity of the name and contact of the nodal officers nominated by them," the Court said..The Bench added that such a nodal officer is to act as the first point of contact for victims and witnesses facing intimidation, allowing them to report instances of harassment directly to the SIT.The Court also directed the SIT to submit a report detailing the steps taken to appoint a nodal officer as well as the actions undertaken by the nodal officer to address concerns of witness/ complainant safety.Justice Nambiar further reiterated the importance of creating a safe and accessible grievance redressal mechanism to protect victims and witnesses..The Bench was hearing cases related to the recent public release of the Justice K Hema Committee report on the working conditions of women in the Malayalam Cinema, which highlighted widespread sexual harassment and gender discrimination in the Malayalam film industry.The Court has also been considering the implementation of guidelines aimed at safeguarding workplace rights, promoting safety, and ensuring gender equality in the industry.During an earlier hearing, the Bench had admitted a petition filed by the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) which called for the implementation of a Cinema Code of Conduct (CCC) to establish safe, fair, and well-regulated working conditions on film sets..Today's order was passed after the senior counsel representing the WCC raised concerns that witness and victims who wished to file complaints of sexual harassment in Mollywood were getting threats to prevent them from filing complaints. The matter will be heard next on December 11. .Senior Counsel Gopal Sankaranarayanan along with advocates Sradhaxna Mudrika, V Shyamohan, Kuriakose Varghese appeared for the Women's Collective in Cinema.