SIAA committee adopts 7 resolutions regarding sexual misconduct in Tamil industry

In the wake of tremors set off by the Hema Committee Report in the Malayalam film industry, actor Vishal, the General Secretary of the South Indian Artistes Association, or SIAA, recently said a similar committee would be set up in the body to crack a whip on incidents of sexual harassment.

To that effect, the Gender Sensitisation and Internal Complaints Committee (GSICC) met on Wednesday and has unanimously adopted seven resolutions. The committee, led by actor Rohini Molleti, comprises actors Khushbu, Suhasini Maniratnam, Lalitha Kumari, Kovai Sarala, and social activist Raji Gopi. The meeting was held in the presence of SIAA's president Nasser, treasurer Karthi, and vice president Poochi Murugan.

The resolutions include a five-year ban on the accused who is proven guilty of sexual misconduct, the introduction of an email ID to report in addition to a helpline number, providing legal support for the victim from the body, and cooperation from SIAA if victims lodge complaints with the cybercrime department against YouTubers if they make slanderous comments about them and their family members. A particular resolution recommended victims bring to the committee's notice first any incident of sexual harassment, rather than addressing the media. Another resolution states that the accused will be warned first and strict action will follow. The press note further adds that the activities of GSICC will take place under the supervision of SIAA.