On December 11th, the Kerala High Court granted anticipatory bail to Malayalam actor Balachandra Menon regarding a 2007 sexual assault allegation. Justice Kunhikrishnan questioned the complaint’s credibility due to a 17-year delay and noted Menon’s prominence as a Padma Shri awardee. Menon denied the charges, claiming they were aimed at damaging his reputation amid wider industry allegations.
Kerala: Today, on Dec 11th, the Kerala High Court granted anticipatory bail to acclaimed Malayalam actor and filmmaker Balachandra Menon in a case involving allegations of sexual assault dating back to 2007. “Remember that right and dignity is not only to women, but to man also,” observed Justice PV Kunhikrishnan while granting relief to Menon.
The Court questioned the credibility of the allegations due to the prolonged 17-year delay in filing the complaint.
“It is an admitted fact that the victim filed the complaint after 17 years of the alleged incident. It is also admitted that the petitioner is a known cine personality and a Padma Shri awardee. Based on a statement of a lady, that too after 17 years, this case has been registered,”
Justice Kunhikrishnan noted.
The case, registered at the Cantonment Police Station in Thiruvananthapuram, stems from claims by the complainant that during the filming of Menon’s movie De Ingottu Nokkiye in 2007, the filmmaker sexually assaulted her by hugging her, pressing her breasts, and engaging in inappropriate conduct involving bodily fluids.
The charges were framed under Sections 354 (outraging the modesty of a woman), 509 (insulting the modesty of a woman), and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The complainant’s statement was also recorded under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC).
Denying the allegations, Menon’s counsel argued that the complaint was baseless, malicious, and aimed at tarnishing his reputation. They emphasized the Padma Shri awardee’s stature in the Malayalam film industry and pointed out that he had received threatening calls from the complainant and her lawyer, which he claims were attempts at blackmail and harassment.
Additionally, Menon filed a counter-complaint alleging criminal intimidation under Section 351 of the Bharatiya Nayaya Sanhita (BNS) and relevant provisions of the Information Technology Act.
The allegations against Menon are part of a broader wave of accusations in the Malayalam film industry following the release of the Justice K Hema Committee Report. The report revealed systemic sexual abuse in Mollywood, prompting several women to come forward with allegations against prominent figures.
The Public Prosecutor opposed Menon’s anticipatory bail plea, citing the seriousness of the allegations and the need for a thorough investigation. However, the Court ruled in favor of Menon, citing the substantial delay in filing the complaint as a factor casting doubt on its credibility.
Senior counsel M Ramesh Chander, along with advocates Govind G Nair, Bejoy Joseph PJ, Balu Tom, and Bonny Benny, represented Balachandra Menon.
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