'A woman deserves respect': Kerala HC invokes Bilkis Bano case while rejecting Siddique's bail

Kochi (Kerala): The Kerala High Court on Tuesday dismissed the anticipatory bail application filed by actor Siddique, who sought bail in a case relating to the sexual assault of a woman actor.

Interestingly, the court, in its judgement, invoked the sensational and high-profile Bilkis Bano case, stating, "A woman deserves respect, howsoever high or low she may be otherwise considered in society, or to whatever faith she may follow, or any creed she may belong to."

The High Court's invocation of the Bilkis Bano case reflects the importance with which the court is viewing the survivor's complaint against the actor.

Bilkis Bano’s tragic story

Bilkis Bano was 21 years old and five months pregnant when she was raped while fleeing the violence of communal riots triggered by the Godhra train-burning incident. Tragically, her three-year-old daughter was among seven family members killed during the riots. In a controversial decision, the Gujarat government granted remission to all 11 convicts, releasing them on August 15, 2022. However, the apex court later quashed this decision, labelling the orders as "stereotyped" and passed without proper consideration. "A woman deserves respect howsoever high or low she may otherwise be considered in society or to whatever faith she may follow or whatever creed she may belong to. Can heinous crimes against women permit remission? These are the issue which arise..." remarked Justice BV Nagarathna.

Ongoing investigations into sexual misconduct

This recent legal development follows Siddique’s request for anticipatory bail on September 2, amid a growing focus on sexual misconduct within the Malayalam film industry. The court's reference to the Bilkis Bano case highlights its commitment to treating survivor complaints with the gravity they deserve.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to investigate incidents of sexual misconduct in the industry. The allegations were brought to light by a woman actor, whose complaint led to the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) by the police in Thiruvananthapuram.

'Me Too' movement shakes the industry

The Malayalam film industry has been rocked by a "Me Too" movement, revealing numerous allegations of sexual abuse. In response to these accusations, Siddique resigned from his role as general secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA), along with the entire 17-member executive committee.

Several prominent figures in the industry, including director Ranjith and actors Mukesh and Jayasurya, have also faced serious allegations from multiple women actors.

Revelations from the Justice Hema Committee report

The increase in allegations coincided with the release of the Justice Hema Committee report, which detailed alarming accounts of harassment, exploitation, and the systemic mistreatment of women in the industry. Published on August 19, the report highlighted that about 10 to 15 male producers, directors, and actors dominate the Malayalam film industry, exerting significant control over it.