Kochi, Apr 10 (PTI) A court here on Friday granted bail to Malayalam film director Ranjith, who was arrested in a sexual harassment case, and subsequently, he was released from jail.
Judicial First Class Magistrate L Usha granted bail after imposing stringent conditions.
The court directed Ranjith to surrender his passport, not to leave Ernakulam district, and not to enter the crime scene in Fort Kochi where the film shooting was held.
He was ordered to execute a bond of Rs 1 lakh and furnish two solvent sureties of the like amount.
The court also directed Ranjith to appear before the investigating officer every Monday for the next three months or until the charge sheet in the case is filed.
Ranjith, who is lodged at Ernakulam Sub Jail, was released from Ernakulam Sub Jail in the evening.
He was arrested in Thodupuzha on March 31 after an actress approached the police alleging that she was sexually harassed by the director inside a caravan during a film shoot in Fort Kochi.
Earlier, the police had interrogated Ranjith in custody.
When the bail petition came before the court, the prosecution submitted that director Ranjith, who enjoys significant economic, social and political influence, if released on bail, is likely to influence or intimidate witnesses, tamper with evidence, and threaten the survivor and her family.
It further contended that most of the key witnesses are either working under or dependent on the accused, and that granting bail could seriously prejudice the investigation and send a wrong message to society, especially in cases involving sexual offences against women.
The defence counsel, however, argued that the petitioner is innocent and has been falsely implicated due to enmity and professional rivalries in the film industry and politics.
The counsel submitted that no material evidence has been collected by the investigating agency to substantiate the allegations.
It was also submitted that Ranjith, aged about 62, is a well-known director, writer and actor, and a former Chairman of the Kerala Chalachitra Academy, and is suffering from serious ailments.
He has undergone liver transplantation and spine surgery and is still under medication following the procedures.
After hearing both sides, the court observed that the offences alleged are punishable with imprisonment of less than five years, and took into account the stage of investigation and the absence of any specific plea for further custodial interrogation.
Considering the age and serious medical condition of the petitioner, and the direction of the Supreme Court that continued incarceration may not be warranted in cases not involving offences punishable with death or life imprisonment, the court held that the petitioner could be released on bail with stringent conditions to address the prosecution’s concerns. PTI TBA TBA ADB
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