The Supreme Court of India has granted anticipatory bail to Malayalam actor Siddique in a rape case filed against him by an actress. The allegations date back to 2016, with the complaint filed eight years later in 2024. The court, while providing relief, directed Siddique to surrender his passport and fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation.
The bench, comprising Justices Bela M. Trivedi and Satish Chandra Sharma, emphasized that delays in reporting incidents of sexual assault should be assessed in light of the trauma survivors often endure. Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing Siddique, argued, “There is an eight-year delay in filing this complaint. Siddique is a public figure and will cooperate with the investigation.” Consequently, the Supreme Court granted him conditional bail, mandating his availability for interrogation while ensuring compliance with investigative procedures. The allegations against Siddique, rooted in the Justice Hema Commission Report, highlighted systemic exploitation in the Malayalam film industry, with the complainant accusing him of assaulting her at Mascot Hotel, Thiruvananthapuram.
Kerala Police have alleged that Siddique obstructed the investigation by deleting electronic evidence and social media accounts. Earlier, the Kerala High Court denied him anticipatory bail, citing the gravity of the accusations and the need for custodial interrogation. The court also noted that delays in reporting sexual harassment often stem from significant emotional and social challenges faced by survivors. This case has reignited discussions on accountability and victim rights in the film industry, with legal experts advocating for a balanced approach that upholds survivor dignity while ensuring a fair trial. The Kerala Police continues to monitor Siddique’s cooperation as the investigation progresses.
