Woman actor moves SC against Hema panel and SIT, challenges HC orders

She says she voluntarily gave a statement to the committee in confidentiality with the understanding that it was intended solely for the committee’s advisory purposes and not for triggering any legal or criminal action

A woman actor, who had deposed before the K. Hema committee, has moved a special leave petition before the Supreme Court against the committee and the special investigation team (SIT) formed to look into the panel report and also challenged a Kerala High Court order, which according to her, has overstepped its jurisdiction by directing the SIT to register FIRs.

The actor said she voluntarily gave a statement to the committee in confidentiality with the understanding that it was intended solely for the committee’s advisory purposes and not for triggering any legal or criminal action. Some of the statements were hearsay allegations, which were later disowned by the affected parties.

However, the SIT is understood to have proceeded against some persons based on the statements stating that it was proceeding based on the High Court directives, she stated.

She complained that the High Court had overstepped its jurisdiction by directing the SIT to register an FIR based on her statements. The court order encroached on the investigative authority of the SIT and undermined its discretion to conduct a preliminary inquiry before registering an FIR.

The committee lacked legal authority, as it was not constituted under the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952, she contended.

She argued that the statements were made on the assurance from the committee that no legal or criminal action would be taken against any individual as a result of the statement. Hence, the statements cannot be regarded as information for initiating an investigation and registering a crime, she contended.

The actor alleged that the SIT was harassing individuals who weren’t directly connected to the issue after using her confidential statements.

She complained that such acts were tarnishing her integrity as a cine actor and negatively impacting the Malayalam film industry. Such actions undermined the very purpose of the committee and diminished the support that women were receiving, she said.

Published - November 29, 2024 08:43 pm IST