Media Airing Statements Which Lead Viewers To Believe That They Were Given By Victims To Justice Hema Committee Would Be Viewed Seriously: Kerala HC

The above warning was issued by the Special Bench of Justice A. K. Jayasankaran Nambiar and Justice C. S. Sudha, constituted to hear matters connected with the report of Justice Hema Committee, which was constituted by the Government in 2017 that was tasked to study issues faced by women in the Malayalam film industry. The report was published on August 19, 2024.

“On our part, we issue a caveat to media personnel that reporting any information in relation to the Justice Hema Committee report, that might lead viewers to believe that a statement aired in the program was the statement actually given by the victim before the SIT or the Justice Hema Committee, will be viewed very seriously by this Court by deeming the same to be an unnecessary interference with the administration of justice.”

Earlier, the Court had cautioned the print, electronic and social media not to exert undue pressure on the SIT to conduct the investigation in a hasty manner. It also directed the media to be sensitive while reporting matters relating to the Justice Hema Committee Report. However, at that time, the Court did not pass any formal orders restraining the media.

Today, the Court issued the caveat based on the submission that a program was aired by Reporter TV on September 16 contrary to the directions of the Court. It was stated before the Court that the alleged program revealed a statement made by a female actor before the Justice Hema Committee accusing a film director and a prominent male actor.

The Court further observed that the members of the SIT were being constantly approached by the media for information relating to the progress of the investigation. 

Court thus said, “Taking note of the reported infringement of our direction, we direct the members of the SIT to issue a general warning to media personnel, who approach them for information regarding the progress of the investigation, or for getting details of the persons against whom such investigation is ongoing to desist from the same, and in the event of any continued attempts on the part of the said media personnel, the SIT shall report such instances to this Court, if need be, by producing such evidence as they may feel fit.”

The matter has been posted for further hearing on October 14.

Case Number: WPC No. 31205/2024

Case Title: Jannath v State of Kerala