Revolt in AMMA: Actors Demand Asset Seizure Amid Disputed Leadership Claims

Conflict Over Liquid Assets and Records

A fractured leadership within the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) has led four prominent actors to seek government intervention. Maala Parvathi, Ansiba Hassan, Usha Haseena, and Ponnamma Babu formally petitioned the Registrar of Co-operative Societies on July 26, 2026. The petition requests the immediate seizure of financial books and records currently held by a panel led by Shwetha Menon.

The dispute centers on control over association assets totaling more than ₹6 crore. According to the petitioning members, former office-bearers still possess signed cheque leaves and banking credentials. This situation, they argue, creates a high risk of financial loss or misappropriation. The actors have requested that banks be instructed to stop all transactions until a recognized governing body takes over.

Disputed Resignations and Allegations of Forgery

The internal crisis began during a general body meeting on June 21, 2026. The petitioners state that Menon announced her resignation as both president and member, a declaration she reportedly repeated to the press. Following this, the assembly appointed a new governing body led by actor and MLA Ramesh Pisharody and actor Jagadeesh. However, Menon later claimed she had not stepped down, a move the four actors describe as inconsistent with the association’s bylaws.

Furthermore, the petition raises concerns about the integrity of official records. The actors allege that meeting minutes submitted to statutory offices and courts may have been fabricated or forged.

• The petition invokes Section 19 of the Travancore-Cochin Literary, Scientific and Charitable Societies Registration Act, 1955.
• It calls for an independent inquiry into the authenticity of filed documents.
• The actors seek legal and penal action if the records are found to be fraudulent.

Impact on Member Welfare Services

The administrative deadlock has reportedly disrupted essential services for vulnerable members. Ansiba Hassan, a former joint secretary, noted that the association's medicine supply program has stalled because the current panel refuses to hand over office keys and assets. While the Menon-led panel previously denied reports of paralysis, claiming welfare activities were unhindered, the petitioners argue that day-to-day operations are severely compromised. They contend the former leadership has no lawful authority to retain custody of the organization's properties.

Source: The Hindu — Cities