Hema Committee Report: Hema Committee Report: Release of excluded sections faces further delays

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Release of parts omitted from 2017 Report of the Hema Committeedetailing systemic sexual exploitation, workplace harassment and gender inequality in malayalam film industry looks like it will face further delays.
The delay comes after a last-minute complaint from an individual.

According to Manorama Online, the Information Commissioner, A. Abdul Hakeem, who is expected to pronounce on the matter, will return to the state capital only next Friday. In addition, the Commission clarified that the final decision will be taken only after hearing the arguments of the new complainant, in addition to the grievances previously raised.

Media representatives who arrived at the Commission’s office were informed of the delay, which further pushed the deadline for a verdict. The commissioner is scheduled to be in Ernakulam on Monday and Delhi from Tuesday to Thursday, adding to the postponement.
The Hema Committee report, submitted in 2017, includes alarming revelations such as allegations of sexual exploitation by prominent figures in the Malayalam film industry. Paragraph 96 of the report explicitly details these allegations, but 11 crucial paragraphs that followed were omitted from the publicly released version. These sections were illegally removed by the government.
Several parties, including media outlets, appealed for the release of the omitted sections. The commission had previously hinted it would provide a decision soon, but the new complaint has further stalled the proceedings.
Meanwhile, Malayalam actor Siddique was arrested last day and released on bail following an order that was passed by the Supreme Court granting the actor protection from remand and custodial interrogation. For those unaware, Siddique is charged under Sections 376 (rape) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) following serious allegations by a female actor. Soon after Siddique was accused, the actor resigned from the position of general secretary of AMMA.