The Kerala High Court granted bail to assistant director Dhinil Babu, accused of casting couch sexual assault after allegedly luring an actress with a Dulquer Salman film role. Noting his custody and investigation progress, the Court imposed strict conditions
KERALA: The Kerala High Court recently granted bail to assistant film director Dhinil Babu, who is implicated in a sexual assault case concerning allegations of engaging in casting couch practices. Babu stands accused of sexually assaulting a young actress after allegedly luring her to a film production office under the pretense of offering her a role in a Dulquer Salman film.
Earlier, a Vacation Bench led by Justice Jobin Sebastian noted that Babu had been in custody since his arrest on December 3. With his medical examination complete and the investigation having progressed significantly, the Court decided to grant him bail, although with stringent conditions.
Justice Jobin highlighted that the allegations suggest evidence of ‘casting couch’ practices, which exploit the professional ambitions of young actors and actresses for sexual gratification, thereby constituting a serious offense against personal dignity. He stated that such practices require rigorous legal action.
The Court remarked,
“A perusal of the available records indicates a prima facie case of ‘casting couch’ practices, wherein the accused allegedly lured the complainant into a room under the pretext of discussing a script. Given the specific allegation that the accused outraged the modesty of the complainant by physical molestation, such conduct constitutes a serious affront to the dignity of women. Consequently, offences of this nature, which exploit professional aspirations for sexual gratification, must be dealt with by the Court with a heavy hand,”
Dhinil Babu is an assistant director associated with Wayfarer Films Pvt Ltd., established by the Malayalam actor Dulquer Salman.
According to the prosecution, an aspiring actress was invited to the production office on October 11 around 7 PM to discuss a potential role in a film featuring Dulquer Salman. However, she alleges that upon her arrival, Babu wrongfully restrained her and sexually molested her by groping her.
In response to her complaint, the police registered an FIR invoking Sections 74 for outraging the modesty of a woman, Section 75(1) for physical contact and advances involving unwelcome and explicit sexual overtures, and Section 126(2) for wrongful restraint of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Babu was arrested on December 3.
He had previously sought anticipatory bail from the Kerala High Court on November 29 and later filed a regular bail application with the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (Economic Offences) in Ernakulam on December 5, both of which were denied. Subsequently, he approached the High Court for regular bail.
The High Court has granted bail with various stipulations, including the requirement for him to appear before the police weekly for three months or until a chargesheet is filed.
The Court has also prohibited him from contacting or intimidating the complainant or tampering with evidence, and he must surrender his passport to the jurisdictional magistrate.
Dhinil Babu was represented by advocates Babu S Nair and KP Dhaneesh, while Senior Public Prosecutor Renjith George represented the State.
Case Title: Dhinil Babu v State of Kerala & anr (BAIL APPL. NO. 14756 OF 2025)
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