New Delhi: In a crucial development, the Supreme Court has granted temporary relief to actor Koottikal Jayachandran, who is facing serious allegations of sexually assaulting a four-year-old girl. The court has issued an order staying Jayachandran's arrest while the case is proceeding.

While granting temporary relief, the Supreme Court has emphasised that Jayachandran must fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation into the matter. The court has also issued a notice to the Kerala government, seeking response to Jayachandran's plea for anticipatory bail.

Background of case

Earlier, the Kerala High Court had denied Jayachandran's request for anticipatory bail. The Kerala Police also issued a lookout notice against the actor.

The police initiated an investigation into the matter based on a complaint filed by the mother of the alleged survivor. The complaint accuses Jayachandran of sexually abusing her four-year-old daughter while exploiting a family dispute.

The Kozhikode Kasaba police recorded the statement of the young child, which played a crucial role in the investigation. The High Court, while rejecting the anticipatory bail plea, emphasised the importance of considering the child's statement, stating that it should not be disregarded.