Kerala High Court Grants Anticipatory Bail To Actor-Politician Suresh Gopi In Case Over Alleged Misbehaviour With Female Reporter
The Kerala High Court today allowed the anticipatory bail application moved by actor and politician Suresh Gopi, in connection with a case for alleged misbehaviour with a female reporter in front of the public and media. A crime was registered against him under Section 354 IPC (assault or criminal force with intent to outrage the modesty of women) and Section 119 (punishment for...
The Kerala High Court today allowed the anticipatory bail application moved by actor and politician Suresh Gopi, in connection with a case for alleged misbehaviour with a female reporter in front of the public and media.
A crime was registered against him under Section 354 IPC (assault or criminal force with intent to outrage the modesty of women) and Section 119 (punishment for atrocities against women) of the Kerala Police Act.
Justice Sophy Thomas today said,
“On going through the facts and circumstances, this Court is of the view that custodial interrogation of the petitioner is not needed for the purpose of investigation on the assurance made by the counsel for the petitioner that the petitioner is ready to co-operate with the investigation process. Adverting to the facts and circumstances, this Court is inclined to allow this petition under the following terms:- in the event of arrest, the petitioner shall be released on bail on executing bond…thereafter the petitioner shall appear before the investigating officer if and when directed… ”
It further noted that the de facto complainant also has no objection to the bail application.
In his bail plea, the actor submitted that he is innocent and has not touched the female reporter with any sexual intent or motive. He averred that he was only trying to proceed to his hotel by removing the obstruction caused by the media persons, including the complainant.
The petitioner was represented by Advocates B N Shivsankar, Tinu T Joseph, Vishnu B Kurup
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 22
Case title: Suresh Gopi V State Of Kerala
Case number: Bail Appl. 11627/ 2023