Big relief for Malayalam actor Siddique after SC grants interim protection from arrest

In a major relief for Malayalam actor Siddique, the Supreme Court on Monday granted him interim protection from arrest in a rape case filed against him based on allegations made by a Malayalam actress.

A bench of Justices Bela M Trivedi and Satish Chandra Sharma announced a plea for the actor seeking interim bail.

On September 24, the Kerala High Court rejected his anticipatory bail plea, noting that the materials on record showed that he was prima facie involved in the crime. The Supreme Court also ruled that the acts alleged against Siddique would fall within the scope of the expanded definition of “rape”.

Actor Siddique subsequently moved the top court against this high court order seeking anticipatory bail. While rejecting Siddique’s bail plea, the Kerala High Court has said acts alleged against Siddique would fall within the ambit of the expanded definition of “rape”.

After the Justice Hema Commission report was made public, a young actress came forward alleging that Siddique sexually exploited her in 2016 when she met him in a hotel room after he offered her opportunities in the film industry. Following this complaint, the actor was forced to resign as general secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA).

Following her allegations, the young actress filed an FIR alleging rape and criminal intimidation by Siddique.

The case against Siddique came in the wake of the Justice Hema Committee report on sexual harassment and gender inequality against women in Malayalam cinema.

The Justice Hema Committee came across stories of despair not only from women but also from men in the Malayalam film industry. From hidden spy cameras, rampant sexual harassment since the black and white era, to the lack of toilets for women on the sets, the report made several glaring revelations about the exploitation of women in the Malayalam film industry.