On Tuesday, the Supreme Court extended interim protection from arrest for Malayalam actor Siddique in connection with a rape case, pending further hearings.
A bench comprising Justices Bela M Trivedi and Satish Chandra Sharma granted the actor relief until the next date of hearing.
Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing Siddique, informed the court that the investigation authorities had repeatedly inquired about his phone and laptop from 2016, which he no longer possessed.
Rohatgi emphasized that Siddique had complied with all previous summons, but the authorities’ demands were not reasonable.
The Supreme Court requested clarification from the Kerala Police on whether Siddique had appeared for questioning when summoned.
The Kerala Government responded that although the actor had attended the hearings, he had not fully cooperated with the investigation.
Justice Sharma noted that Siddique had handed over his old phone to a shop when purchasing a new one, questioning whether the actor had retained any relevant data.
Rohatgi also sought an adjournment citing a medical issue – an ailment affecting his throat.
The Court agreed to delay the proceedings, allowing time for the actor’s legal team to prepare further.
Siddique is seeking anticipatory bail concerning the ongoing case, where he faces serious charges of rape and criminal intimidation.
The case, initially filed by a young actress in August, is being handled by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) appointed by the Kerala government.
Earlier this year, following the Kerala High Court’s dismissal of his anticipatory bail application, Siddique became the subject of a statewide lookout notice, sparking fears that he might have fled the state.
Despite these concerns, the actor has consistently denied the allegations, maintaining his innocence.
Women Actors Accuse Prominent Figures Of Sexual Harassment & Exploitation
The case has cast a shadow over the Malayalam film industry, already reeling from a wave of ‘Me Too’ allegations.
Several women actors have come forward with accusations of sexual harassment and exploitation, naming prominent figures such as director Ranjith and actors Mukesh, Jayasurya, and Edavela Babu.
Siddique’s resignation from his post as the General Secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) followed the allegations, with the entire 17-member AMMA executive committee stepping down in solidarity.
This resignation came amid mounting pressure within the industry, which has faced increasing scrutiny following the release of the Justice Hema Committee report on 19 August.
The report, which revealed disturbing patterns of harassment and exploitation in the industry, further fueled the ongoing #MeToo movement.
The findings highlighted the disproportionate control held by a small group of male figures – producers, directors, and actors – who allegedly dominate the industry, exerting undue influence and mistreating women.
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