[Justice Hema Committee Report] Director V K Prakash Moves Kerala High Court Seeking Anticipatory Bail Amid Sexual Abuse Allegations

On publication of the Committee report, several women have come forward making various revelations against persons in the Malayalam film industry.

In one such news report, a female scriptwriter alleged that Prakash sexually molested her in April 2022 when she approached him to narrate a film story.

Prakash has now moved the High Court apprehending arrest under Section 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage modesty) of the IPC.

In his bail application, Prakash submitted that he has been falsely implicated to blackmail and extort money from him. He alleged that the lady wanted to act in movies and made sexual advances towards him. Prakash also states that the same lady who was blackmailing him was also blackmailing several other persons over sexual assault allegations with the intent to extort money.

Prakash claims that he has submitted a complaint before the State Police Chief. He has also submitted complaint before the Inspector General of Police, who is the head of the Investigation team constituted by the Government to investigate the allegations made in the Justice Hema Committee Report.

Background

The Justice Hema Committee was constituted by the Government in 2017 and was tasked to study issues faced by women in the Malayalam film industry. The report was published on August 19, 2024.

The Committee's study revealed that women in the film industry face numerous issues, including, sexual demands, sexual harassment, gender discrimination, lack of safety in the workplace, insufficient basic facilities, wage disparities etc.

After the report was made public, a public interest litigation was filed seeking to initiate criminal proceedings against alleged offenders. The Court directed the State Government to make available the entire Report, including the redacted portions before the Court in a sealed cover. The Court also suo moto impleaded the Kerala State Women's Commission.

The plea has been moved by Advocates Babu S. Nair , Smitha Babu, P.A.Rajesh, Pranav, K.P.Dhaneesh, Siddharth Karun Pisharody

Case Number: Bail Appl No. 7180/2024

Case Title: V K Prakash v State of Kerala