Why Honey Rose sexual harassment case is a litmus test for Kerala

The arrest of businessman Boby Chemmanur for alleged obscene comments against South film actress Honey Rose has once again highlighted the misogynistic and predatory atmosphere prevailing in Kerala’s film and entertainment industry, vividly highlighted last year in the report of the Justice K. Hema Commission on the working conditions of professional women in the sector.

Kerala Police arrested Chemmanur at his tea estate in Wayanad on January 8 on the basis of Rose’s complaint and arrested him for sexual harassment, under the provisions of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, and for publishing or transmitting obscene material on electronic format, under the Information Technology Law.

The next day, a Kochi court remanded Chemmanur to judicial custody for 14 days. The 60-year-old president of the Chemmanur group has denied the charges against him.

Rose’s alleged harassment dates back five months. The 33-year-old actress had been invited to inaugurate a Chemmanur Jewelers store in Alakode village in Kannur district on August 7 last year. While attending the show, the businessman allegedly made sexual comments, which were objected to by Rose. He also refused to attend the openings of other media outlets of the Chemmanur group. Later, obscene comments surfaced on his social media pages, and several people joined the campaign against him.

“I finally approached the police when all lines of decency were crossed and they harassed me on social media. The businessman (Chemmanur), using the power of money, used social media goons to attack me. I lost sleep and my family got worried,” Rose said in conversation with INDIA TODAY.

On January 8, Rose took to social media to press her accusation that Chemmanur had made several double meaning comments. “I was repeatedly harassed and attacked, and my silence might have given the wrong impression that I am enjoying it,” he wrote.

Before lodging his police complaint, Rose had met additional director general of police (law and order) Manoj Abraham and Kochi city police commissioner Putta Vimaladitya. He also spoke to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who offered his full support and ordered the police to take firm action.

The ruling CPI(M) has expressed solidarity with Rose, a popular actress with a bouquet of Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada and Telugu films. “Honey Rose took a bold step to fight for dignity against cyberbullies,” CPI(M) state committee member Chintha Jerome told INDIA TODAY. “I myself was similarly attacked, with cyber users leading campaigns against me, my speech, my dress and my activities, all because of my politics. Rose’s case will help hundreds of women fight for dignity. I praise your bravery.”

Activists hope that Rose’s bold step will encourage more women in the world of Malayalam cinema and entertainment, and even in society at large, to fight against such harassment. In this context, a recent observation by the Kerala High Court is a shot in the arm. On January 6, Justice A. Badharudeen of the high court ruled in a case that commenting on a woman’s body structure as prima facie “good” amounted to sexual harassment.

However, a fundamental requirement is that the State creates an enabling environment in which women not only feel safe and brave in confronting their abusers, but also gain support in what usually become protracted legal battles. At best, it’s a work in progress at this point.

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