Kerala Women's Commission Suggests Enactment Of Entertainment Industry Equality And Empowerment Act

The Kerala Women's Commission filed a counter affidavit before the High Court suggesting the enactment of a new legislation called the Kerala Entertainment Industry Equality and Empowerment Act to address the issues women face in the entertainment industry. This comes in the wake of the publication of the scathing Hema Committee Report on August 19, 2024 which brought to light the prevalence of rampant sexual abuse and discrimination against women in Mollywood.  

New legislation aims to diversify employment areas covered under PoSH Act

According to Live Law, the suggestions from the Women's Commission regarding the new legislation were placed before the Special Bench of Justice AK Jayasankaran Nambiar and Justice CS Sudha, constituted to hear matters connected with the report of the Justice Hema Committee. Earlier, the Kerala HC had pointed out that the PoSH Act (2013) considers sexual harassment of women at the workplace, thus excluding informal situations where there is no clear employer-employee relationship.

Bringing this into context, the new legislation, the Kerala Women's Commission stated, could encompass women from diverse fields like music, film, television, theatre, circus, visual arts and fashion to ensure that they receive equal opportunities, protection and respect in the professional workspace.

The act also intends to eradicate discrimination and promote gender neutrality across the entertainment sector. It was submitted that the special legislation could address issues like minimum wages, work hours, rest periods, and essential facilities, including e-toilets, changing rooms, food accommodations and transportation in addition to sexual harassment issues.

Government files affidavit to introduce film policy in Kerala

According to Live Law, the Government of Kerala has also filed a counter affidavit before the Court about the formulation of a film policy for the state. The affidavit submitted by the government stated thus, “A major recommendation of the committee is to formulate a Film Policy for the State of Kerala. Government constituted a committee chaired by Sri.Shaji N Karun for preparing a draft approach paper for Film policy, as per GO(Rt) 357/2023/CLAD dated 15.07.2023. It is also ordered to include suitable suggestions after examining the recommendation of the Justice K Hema Committee. A Film Conclave is being scheduled for consolidating the suggestions of representatives from the various fields in film. Government will formulate an appropriate film policy after taking into account the suggestions from the film world.”