On Wednesday, the Kerala High Court closed the anticipatory bail application of Malayalam film director Ranjith Balakrishnan, following the police’s decision to treat the alleged offense as bailable. The case stems from a 2009 incident involving accusations of inappropriate conduct towards a female actor.
Director Ranjith was accused under Section 354 of the IPC for allegedly assaulting a female actor from West Bengal with the intent to outrage her modesty. This incident purportedly occurred during the casting process for the film ‘Paleri Manikyam’ in 2009. The actor claimed that Ranjith had touched her inappropriately under the guise of a professional meeting.
The prosecution’s update that the offense from 2009 is considered bailable led to the court’s decision to close the anticipatory bail plea. Ranjith, 60, who faced these charges as the first director in the aftermath of the public revelation, argued in his plea that the allegations were rekindled by those dissatisfied with his role in the industry and his position as chairman of the Kerala Chalachitra Academy.
Furthermore, Ranjith is entangled in another legal battle involving a complaint from 2012, where he allegedly coerced a male actor to undress for photographs in a Bengaluru hotel, which were then said to be sent to a renowned female actor. The male actor’s allegations have led to charges under Section 377 of the IPC and Section 66 E of the IT Act, adding layers to the director’s legal troubles.
These cases have emerged following the Justice K Hema Committee report, which highlighted systemic harassment in the Malayalam film industry. In response to growing concerns over such allegations, the Kerala government recently established a seven-member special investigation team dedicated to investigating claims of sexual harassment and exploitation within the industry.
