Mon Oct 27 14:10:39 UTC 2025: Summary:

The Kerala High Court has dismissed a case filed by a Bengali actress against film director Ranjith. The actress alleged that Ranjith attempted to outrage her modesty in 2009, during a visit to his apartment to discuss a film role. The FIR was filed in August 2024 following the K. Hema Committee report on the Malayalam film industry. The court ruled that the magistrate court should not have taken cognizance of the case after 15 years, exceeding the 3-year limitation period for an offense with a maximum punishment of two years.

News Article:

Kerala High Court Quashes Actress’s Molestation Case Against Director Ranjith

KOCHI, India – October 27, 2025 – The Kerala High Court today quashed a case filed by a Bengali actress against prominent Malayalam film director Ranjith, who was accused of attempting to outrage her modesty. The allegations stemmed from an incident that allegedly occurred in 2009 at Ranjith’s Kochi apartment.

The actress, prompted by the K. Hema Committee report highlighting issues faced by women in the Malayalam film industry, filed the complaint, claiming Ranjith held her hand inappropriately and made unwanted advances during a meeting regarding a potential film role. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) subsequently filed a chargesheet in November 2024.

However, Justice C. Pratheep Kumar of the Kerala High Court overturned the proceedings pending before the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Court in Ernakulam. The court cited the considerable delay in pursuing the case, stating that the magistrate court should not have taken cognizance after 15 years. The ruling emphasized that the statute of limitations, set at three years, had long expired for the alleged offence, which carries a maximum punishment of two years.

The FIR against Ranjith was registered in August 2024. The quashing of the case marks a significant development in the ongoing discussions surrounding the safety and well-being of women in the Malayalam film industry and raises questions about the timeliness of legal action in such cases.

Read More