Kerala High Court Grants Interim Protection To Mohiniyattam Performer Booked For Allegedly Making Casteist Remarks Against Fellow Artist

“The Government Pleader seeks time to get instructions. The petitioner shall not be arrested till the next posting date.” Ordered Justice K Babu while posting the matter to May 27, 2024 (Monday).

Sathyabhama allegedly made comments on the appearance and skin tone of Ramakrishnan, who belongs to the Scheduled Caste community without explicitly taking his name in an interview that went viral on YouTube. A complaint was filed against Sathyabhama under Sections 3(1)(r) of Scheduled Caste / Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Attrocities) Act at the Cantonment Police Station in Thiruvananthapuram district.

The Special Court for Trial of offences under SC/ST Act, Nedumangad dismissed the anticipatory bail application filed by Sathyabhama stating that a prima facie case was made out.

The Counsel appearing for Sathybhama, Advocate B A Aloor submitted that except Section 3(1)(r) of the SC/ST (POA) Act, no other offences under the Indian Penal Code have been alleged. It was argued that the allegation was that Sathybhama made some statements regarding some artist, however, no name of any person was mentioned anywhere. It was further argued that Sathybhama expressed her concerns regarding deteriorating professional standards at the arena of art and only personal opinions were expressed for the improvement of art. It was also submitted that other accused persons who uploaded the video on YouTube were granted bail by the Court. It was argued that there is a threat of arrest and she may be granted interim protection.

The Court had enquired whether there was any intent to arrest Sathybhama since the proceedings were now pending before the Court.

The Court thus passed an order granting interim protection till the next posting date.

The plea has been moved by Advocates Biju Antony Aloor, K P Prasanth, Haseeb Hassan M, Krishnasankar D, Asokan K.V, Rebin Vincent Gralan

Case Title: Sathybhama v State of Kerala

Case Number: Crl A 733/2024