‘Isn't it a civil dispute?’: SC refuses to intervene in plea against Soubin Shahir's anticipatory bail in financial fraud case

New Delhi: The Supreme Court refused to intervene in the petition challenging the anticipatory bail granted to actor Soubin Shahir and two others in the financial fraud case linked to the film Manjummel Boys.

The Court observed that the matter appeared to involve financial arbitration, not a criminal dispute suitable for immediate judicial intervention. Consequently, the apex court declined to interfere in the anticipatory bail order. Shortly thereafter, the petition seeking cancellation of the bail was withdrawn by the complainant.

The case was filed by Siraj Valiyathara Hameed from Aroor, who accused Soubin and his associates of collecting ₹7 crore with the promise of a 40% profit share, but failing to deliver on that promise.

The Kerala High Court had previously granted anticipatory bail to Soubin Shahir, his father Babu Shahir and Shawn Antony—all producers under the Parava Films banner.

A bench, led by Justice P S Narasimha, pointed out that arbitration was still ongoing in the matter. Following this, senior advocate Nikhil Goel and advocate A Karthik, appearing for Siraj, formally informed the Supreme Court that they were withdrawing the plea seeking cancellation of the pre-arrest bail.