Court orders special team to probe alleged use of drug, alcohol on film sets

The court directed the SIT to take action in accordance with the law and to continue monitoring for similar violations in the future. It emphasised that steps must be taken to prevent further misuse of alcohol and drugs at film sets.

In Short

• Kerala High Court orders SIT to probe drug use on film sets
• SIT to act as per law and prevent future violations
• Privacy of victims to be protected in official documents

The Kerala High Court ordered a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the use of alcohol and drugs on film sets and related workplaces, following findings from the Hema Committee report.

The court directed the SIT to take action in accordance with the law and to continue monitoring for similar violations in the future. It emphasised that steps must be taken to prevent further misuse of alcohol and drugs at film sets.

"We find that the statements of many witnesses recorded by the Committee reveal the commission of cognisable offences. Hence, as directed in Order dated September 10, 2024, the statements given before the Committee shall be treated as 'information' as contemplated under Sec. 173 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS) and the SIT shall take necessary action as contemplated therein subject to Sec.173(3) BNSS," it said.

The court also instructed the SIT to protect the privacy of victims and survivors. It ordered that their names should not be revealed in official documents and that no copies of the First Information Statement (FIS) should be made public, except for the victim or survivor.

"The name of the victim/survivor shall be masked in the FIS/FIR. The SIT shall ensure that the copy of the FIS is not uploaded or made public. The copy of the same shall not be issued to any person except to the victim/survivor (Sec.173(2) BNSS). The accused shall be entitled to same only on filing of the final report," the court said.

The court stated that witnesses should not be compelled to give statements.

"The SIT on registration of a crime, shall take necessary steps to contact the victims/survivors and record their statements. In case the witnesses do not cooperate, and there are no materials to proceed with the case, appropriate steps as contemplated under Sec 176 BNSS shall be taken," the court said.

In August, a redacted version of the Justice Hema Committee report was made public. The report, which investigates the harassment faced by women in the Malayalam film industry, revealed cases of exploitation and mistreatment. It also pointed to a "power group" of 10 to 15 male producers, directors, and actors who dominate the industry.

The report was prepared by a three-member panel led by a former Kerala High Court judge. It was submitted to the state government in 2019 and made public in August 2024 following requests made through the Right to Information Act.