The Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Crime Branch has informed the Kerala High Court that it has dropped further action in all 35 cases registered based on the Justice Hema Committee report. The report investigated allegations of sexual harassment and discrimination within the Malayalam film industry. The decision to close the cases comes as none of the alleged victims came forward to provide statements to the SIT, despite being offered assistance.

The Kerala government constituted the Hema Committee in 2017, following a prominent actress assault case, to examine the issues faced by women in the Malayalam film industry. The committee, led by retired High Court Judge K. Hema, along with former bureaucrat K. B. Valsalakumari, and actor T. Sarada, submitted its report to the government. The report highlighted the existence of a "casting couch," instances of suggestive comments, and other forms of harassment prevalent within the industry. The report was made public in August 2024, four and a half years after it was submitted.

Following the report's release, several women in the industry shared their experiences of harassment, naming prominent male professionals. This led to the registration of 35 cases, and the formation of the SIT to investigate these complaints. However, the government pleader informed the court that the alleged victims declined to cooperate with the SIT despite the offer of assistance.

A special bench of Justices A. K. Jayasankaran Nambiar and C. S. Sudha acknowledged the SIT's position, stating that they did not want to pressure anyone into pursuing the cases. The court has directed that the nodal agency, responsible for receiving complaints related to sexual harassment in the film industry, will continue its operations. This agency was established to address grievances and provide a platform for reporting incidents of harassment.

The Kerala government has announced plans to hold a film conclave in August 2025. The conclave aims to discuss the formulation of a comprehensive film policy and address various issues within the film industry. The court has instructed the government to notify it once the draft legislation is ready and has scheduled the petitions for further consideration on August 13, 2025, following the film conclave.

While the 35 cases registered based on the Hema Committee report have been closed, cases registered independently by victims against actors, including Siddique and Mukesh, are reportedly still under investigation.