Offences Bailable, Kerala HC Closes Akhil Marar's Anticipatory Bail Plea In Case For Discouraging Contributions To CM Disaster Relief Fund
The Kerala High Court has closed the anticipatory bail petition filed by Malayalam film director Akhil Marar on the report of the Public Prosecutor that the offences alleged against him are bailable.
Marar is booked under Sections 45 (abetment) & 192 (provocation to cause riot) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 51 (obstruction of officer or refusal to comply with direction) of Disaster Management Act (DMA).
The director allegedly posted a video on his Facebook page where he discouraged people from donating to the Chief Minister Disaster Relief Fund after the Wayanad landslide. The FIR was registered in Kollam Rural Cybercrime Police Station.
Justice C. S. Dias observed:
"Learned Public Prosecutor on his instructions, submitted that the offences alleged against the petitioner are bailable...In the light of the above submission, the application is unwarranted, application is disposed reserving the right of the petitioner to work out his remedies in accordance to law”
Counsel for the Petitioner: Advocates Sasith M.R., Sithara Hamza Kizhakoot, R. K. Chirutha, Neelanjana Nair, Anjana Suresh E., Reethu Jacob, Nanma B. B., Riya Kochumman, Lidhya George
Case No: BA 6587/ 2024
Case Title: Akhil Raj Alias Akhil Marar v State of Kerala
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 599