The petitioner argues that disclosing the report would violate fundamental privacy rights and compromise witness confidentiality.
In a significant development, the Kerala High Court has temporarily halted the State Information Commission’s directive requiring the Kerala government to release the Justice K. Hema Committee report concerning women’s working conditions in the film industry, pending further review.
The court’s decision, rendered by Justice P.M. Manoj on July 24, stems from a writ petition filed by film producer Sajimon Parayil, who is challenging the SIC’s order. The court has also instructed the Kerala government, the SIC, and other parties to submit an affidavit addressing the petition.
The petitioner contends that releasing the report, even with limited redactions, would infringe upon privacy rights and compromise the confidentiality pledged to witnesses. He emphasized that any disclosure could inadvertently identify individuals who provided testimonies under the promise of anonymity. Given the interconnected nature of the film industry, even benign details could lead to the identification of witnesses or complainants, risking potential retaliation or harassment.
The petitioner further argued that the confidential nature of the report is vital for preserving the integrity of the investigation and ensuring participants feel safe to report workplace issues honestly, ultimately fostering public trust in governmental inquiries.
Additionally, the unilateral decision to disclose the report without consulting affected stakeholders undermines principles of natural justice. The petitioner claims this lack of consultation deprives industry stakeholders of a chance to respond to accusations that could unjustly tarnish their reputations and livelihoods.
The Justice Hema Committee was formed in response to an actor’s sexual assault incident in 2017 and submitted its report to the government on December 31, 2019. However, the report has yet to be published due to the sensitive information it contains.
