Kerala HC to Hear Ranjini's Plea Against Publication of Justice Hema Committee Report

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Ranjini challenges Kerala HC order allowing Hema Committee report release.

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The Kerala High Court has admitted an appeal by actress Sasha Selvaraj, popularly known as Ranjini, challenging a recent order by a single judge that allowed the publication of the Justice Hema Committee Report on the working conditions of women in the Malayalam film industry. The Division Bench of Acting Chief Justice A Muhamed Mustaque and Justice S Manu on Friday (August 16) listed the matter for hearing on Monday, August 19.

In her appeal, Ranjini clarified that she does not oppose the publication of the report per se but raised concerns about potential privacy infringements if sensitive portions of the report are not properly redacted. The Justice K Hema Committee, formed by the Kerala government in 2017, had submitted its report to the government in 2019 after studying the challenges faced by women in the film industry. Ranjini was among those who provided a statement to the committee, under assurances of confidentiality.

The controversy arose after the State Information Commission (SIC) permitted the release of redacted portions of the report. This move was challenged by film producer Sajimon Parayil in the Kerala High Court. However, Justice VG Arun dismissed the challenge on August 13, leading to Ranjini's appeal. Ranjini argued that her right to privacy under Article 21 of the Constitution could be compromised if the report is published without proper redaction, especially since the task was left to the discretion of an Information Officer.

The actress also contended that those affected by the report, including herself, were not informed about which portions would be redacted before publication. She emphasized that the right to privacy should take precedence over the right to information when these rights conflict, as outlined in Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution.

The Government Pleader, representing the Kerala government and the SIC, objected to the maintainability of Ranjini's appeal on the grounds that she was not a party to the original petition. However, the Court overruled these objections and scheduled the hearing for Monday.

Ranjini is represented by a team of advocates, including Renjith B Marar, Lakshmi N Kaimal, P Rajkumar, and others.

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