Wed Jan 15 12:12:15 UTC 2025: ## Kerala Businessman Apologizes After High Court Ire Over Delayed Jail Release

**Kochi, Kerala –** Prominent Kerala businessman Boby Chemmanur issued an unconditional apology to the Kerala High Court on Wednesday after facing strong rebuke for his delayed release from jail following bail in a sexual harassment case. The court had granted Chemmanur bail on Tuesday in a case filed by Malayalam actor Honey Rose, but he remained in custody overnight.

Justice P V Kunhikrishnan expressed extreme displeasure, accusing Chemmanur of playing “drama” with the court and essentially declaring “war on the judiciary.” The judge questioned why Chemmanur remained in jail after the bail order was uploaded to the court’s website on Tuesday afternoon, noting the release order was issued shortly thereafter.

The prosecution explained that Chemmanur’s lawyers had not produced the release order at the prison. Chemmanur himself claimed he stayed to advocate for other inmates unable to secure release due to financial constraints related to bail bonds. The court sharply rejected this explanation, stating that the judiciary is responsible for such matters and that Chemmanur’s actions were an attempt to garner media attention.

The judge threatened to cancel Chemmanur’s bail, potentially ordering his rearrest and expediting the investigation and trial. After a heated exchange, Chemmanur’s lawyers clarified that the release order only reached the jail in the morning and that their client had no intention of disrespecting the court. They offered an unconditional apology, which the court accepted, closing the suo motu plea.

Chemmanur’s arrest stems from a complaint by Honey Rose, who alleges that he made sexually colored remarks and unwelcome advances during a jewellery showroom inauguration in August 2024. Chemmanur denies all allegations, calling them false and baseless. He faces charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the IT Act. The High Court, while granting bail, noted the existence of prima facie evidence supporting the charges against him.

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