Hema Committee Report: Kerala High Court Directs SIT To Nominate Nodal Officer To Prevent Witness Intimidation

The Special Bench of Justice A. K. Jayasankaran Nambiar and Justice C. S. Sudha directed the SIT to publicize the name and contact details of the nodal officer so that witnesses can contact the nodal officer if they are being threatened or intimidated.

“We deem it appropriate to direct the SIT to forthwith nominate a nodal officer and give adequate publicity to the name and contact details of the said nodal officer, nominated by them so that those persons who feel threatened/intimidated during the pendency of the investigation can immediately report the same to the nodal officer”, ordered the Court.

Senior Advocate Gopal Sankaranayanan, appearing on behalf of Women In Cinema Collective (WCC), submitted that some of the witnesses who have filed complaints before the SIT have been receiving intimidating calls and are being threatened by the accused and various other persons.

Last week, the Court had admitted the body's plea seeking formulation of guidelines for regulating the Malayalam Film Industry, until the Government enacts special legislation in this regard.

The Court was also informed that a conclave would be conducted to obtain suggestions from various stakeholders regarding the formulation of the special law. It was submitted that suggestions of all stakeholders would be considered and a draft including all suggestions would be placed before the Government for enacting the special law to address the issues faced by women in society, especially in their workplace.

The Court further directed the SIT to inform the Court regarding the nomination of the nodal officer and to submit an action taken report before the Court by the next hearing.

The matter is posted to December 11.

Case Number: WPC 41327/2024 & Connected Matters

Case Title: Women In Cinema Collective v State of Kerala & Others & Connected Matters