Tue Jan 14 07:56:58 UTC 2025: ## Kerala Businessman Granted Bail in Sexual Harassment Case
**KOCHI, Kerala –** Prominent Kerala businessman Boby Chemmanur has been granted bail by the Kerala High Court in a sexual harassment case filed by a Malayalam actress. The court announced its decision on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, noting that Chemmanur’s passport was already surrendered and he would remain available for police investigation. A detailed order is expected later in the day.
The case stems from an incident during the August 2024 inauguration of a Chemmanur International Jewellery showroom. The actress alleges that Chemmanur made unwelcome sexual advances after placing a necklace around her neck. Chemmanur denies the allegations, calling them false and baseless. His bail plea highlighted the actress’s prior public acknowledgment of their long-standing acquaintance and her participation in several previous events for his business.
The prosecution opposed the bail, arguing that Chemmanur’s social media posts often contained sexually suggestive remarks and granting bail would send the wrong message. The court acknowledged the potentially offensive nature of some of Chemmanur’s statements but countered that his time in judicial custody since January 9th had already served as a public message.
Chemmanur was initially arrested on January 8th in Wayanad and denied bail by a magistrate court before appealing to the High Court. He faces charges under Section 75(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for sexual harassment and Section 67 of the IT Act for publishing obscene material online.
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