New Delhi: Actor Siddique has secured anticipatory bail from the Supreme Court in a rape case filed by a young actress, marking a significant development in this contentious legal battle. A bench led by Justices Bela M. Trivedi and Satish Chandra Sharma granted bail under strict conditions, including full cooperation with the investigation and surrendering his passport. Additionally, the police have been directed to release Siddique on bail if taken into custody.
The allegations, which surfaced eight years after the purported incident, have sparked widespread debate. Siddique’s counsel, Mukul Rohatgi, argued in court that the claims were an orchestrated attempt to tarnish the actor’s reputation and harm the Malayalam film industry. Siddique maintains his innocence, submitting evidence to substantiate his defense.
The actress has countered these assertions, explaining that fear and systemic challenges delayed her complaint. She also referred to the Justice Hema Committee report, which shed light on harassment and toxic practices in the Malayalam film industry, as a context for her experience.
This marks the fourth time Siddique’s bail plea has reached the Supreme Court, following earlier interim reliefs. The case continues to polarize public opinion, raising crucial questions about accountability and justice within the entertainment industry.
