The Kerala High Court has released assistant film director Dhinil Babu on bail in a sexual assault case that has thrown a harsh spotlight on alleged “casting couch” practices in the Malayalam film industry.
While allowing the bail plea, the Court made it clear that allegations of sexual exploitation disguised as professional opportunity strike at the core of personal dignity and must be handled with severity. The relief was granted largely because the accused had been in custody since December 3 and the investigation had already moved past its crucial stages.
The case stems from a complaint by an aspiring actress who alleged that she was invited to a film production office on the promise of a role in a film starring actor Dulquer Salman. According to her account, once she reached the office on the evening of October 11, she was wrongfully restrained and sexually assaulted.
A vacation bench noted that the material on record, at first glance, pointed towards a classic “casting couch” scenario—where ambition is allegedly exploited for sexual gain. The Court observed that such conduct, if proven, amounts to a serious affront to a woman’s dignity and cannot be treated lightly.
At the same time, the judge took into account that the accused’s medical examination was complete, key phases of the probe were over, and prolonged incarceration was not warranted at this stage. Bail was therefore granted, but with strict safeguards.
As part of the conditions, the accused must report to the police weekly for three months or until the charge sheet is filed, whichever comes first. He has been barred from contacting or intimidating the complainant, from interfering with evidence, and has been directed to surrender his passport.
The police have booked the accused under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita relating to outraging a woman’s modesty, unwelcome sexual advances, and wrongful restraint.
The Court’s order balances temporary liberty with a pointed warning: allegations rooted in the misuse of power and professional promise will face close judicial scrutiny.
