Hema Committee Row: Kerala HC Closes Director Ranjith’s Anticipatory Bail Plea In S*xual Harassment Case As Offence Was Bailable In 2009. Seriously?
The allegations against director Ranjith stem from an incident that reportedly occurred in 2009!
The Kerala High Court has granted anticipatory bail to Malayalam director Ranjith in connection with a sexual assault case filed by a Bengali actress in Hema Committee Report. The case dates back to 2009, when the alleged incident occurred, and was filed with the Ernakulam Town North Police. Ranjith’s senior advocate, P. Vijaya Bhanu, argued that in 2009, the offence in question was considered bailable under the law. The prosecution agreed with this legal point, leading Justice CS Dias to approve the bail petition. As a result, even if Ranjith is arrested, he will be granted bail.
What Were The Allegations Against Him?
The allegations stem from an incident that reportedly occurred in 2009. The Bengali actress, in her complaint to the City Police Commissioner, claimed that while discussing a film project, Ranjith had invited her to his flat in Kadavanthra, Kochi. During the meeting, the actress alleged that Ranjith inappropriately touched her with sexual intent.
The complaint further detailed that while discussing the movie Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha, Ranjith made unwanted advances by holding her hand tightly. Distressed by the situation, the actress fled the flat and returned to her hotel, later confiding in scriptwriter Joshy Joseph, who assisted her in returning home.
Details On Hema Committee Report
These allegations were raised after the release of the Hema Committee report, which exposed various instances of sexual exploitation in the Malayalam film industry. The case against Ranjith stirred the film community, leading to his resignation as Chairman of the Kerala Chalachitra Academy. Director Ranjith is not the only accused in the Hema committee report, in fact, several key members of the AMMA have been named in the report as well. Mohanlal, who served as the association’s president, even stepped down from his post after these allegations.
First Published: September 05, 2024 1:36 PM
