Kerala High Court Closes Anticipatory Bail Plea of Director Ranjith Amid Sexual Harassment Allegations

The Kerala High Court has closed the anticipatory bail plea of director Ranjith Balakrishnan. Accused under section 354 of the IPC for allegedly inappropriately touching a female actor in 2009, the court's decision follows the police's indication that the offence may be bailable. Another case against Ranjith involves a male actor's complaint.

The Kerala High Court closed the anticipatory bail plea of director Ranjith Balakrishnan on Wednesday, after police suggested that the 2009 offence may be treated as bailable.

Ranjith faces allegations under section 354 of the IPC, filed by a female actor from West Bengal, regarding an incident occurring during the filming of 'Paleri Manikyam' in 2009. The actor claimed he had touched her inappropriately with sexual intent.

In court, the prosecution indicated that the law at the time categorized the offence as bailable. Recording this, the court consequently closed the case. Ranjith, who claimed the case was reignited by external interests, was the first to be booked for a sexual offence following the public release of the Justice K Hema Committee report.

Furthermore, another case has emerged involving a male actor's allegations concerning a 2012 incident. As multiple FIRs emerge against Malayalam film industry figures, the Kerala government has formed a special seven-member investigation team to address these rising sexual harassment allegations.

(With inputs from agencies.)