Kerala HC dismisses actor Jayasurya and Siddique’s anticipatory bails in sexual assault case

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) became appointed to go looking into incidents of sexual misconduct within the entertainment industry, and on Monday the Kerala High Court closed the anticipatory bail applications moved by actors Jayasurya and Siddique, in the hunt for bail in a case related to the sexual assault. “In light of the above submissions, the bail applications are closed, reserving the suitable of the petitioner to determine his remedies based on law,” the High Court said.

Two complaints were filed against Jayasurya, one within the state capital city of Kerala and one in Kochi. After reviewing the evidence, the court determined that the actor is subject to bail for the offences claimed to have been committed before 2013.

Siddique, alternatively, flatly refuted the allegations which have been still pending. This legal development happened following Siddique’s September 2 plea for anticipatory bail based on a rape case filed against him. He resigned from the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) as general secretary based on the accusations, and the group’s 17-member executive committee also did so.

Earlier this month, the court denied Malayalam movie megastar Ranjith’s request for anticipatory bail. Actors like Mukesh, Edavela Babu, and Maniyanpilla Raju have also been linked to allegations of sexual assault. The police have thus some distance filed 11 First Information Reports (FIRs) against a couple of celebrities following the disclosure by former female actors about their exploitation.

About Hema Committee Report

A First Information Report (FIR) became filed by the police in Thiruvananthapuram following a complaint submitted by a female actor who made the allegations public.

Recent revelations of sexual abuse have brought about a stir within the Malayalam cinema industry owing to the ‘Me Too’ campaign. The Justice Hema Committee report, which revealed alarming small print of harassment, exploitation, and the institutionalized mistreatment of girls folk within the sector, coincided with the spike in these claims. The report, which became released to the ultimate public on August 19 after witness and accused identities were withheld, stated that roughly 10 to 15 male producers, directors, and actors dominate and exercise influence over the Malayalam film industry.

(With inputs from IANS and ANI)