No Plausible Explanation For Inordinate Delay To Lodge FIR: Kerala HC Grants Interim Bail To Actor Balachandra Menon In Sexual Assault Case

Justice C S Dias observed that the de facto complainant has not given a plausible explanation for the inordinate delay in lodging the FIR in 2024, when the alleged crime took place between 12 January to 21 January 2001.

“I am satisfied that the petitioner has made out a prima facie case for an interim order. Hence, I direct that, in the event of the Investigating Officer arresting the petitioner in connection with Crime No. 1009/2024 of the Cantonment Police Station, Thiruvananthapuram, he shall be enlarged on bail on him executing a bond for Rs. 1,00,000/- (Rupees One Lakh only) with two solvent sureties to the satisfaction of the Investigating Officer.”

The de facto complainant has alleged that actor Balanchandra Menon sexually assaulted her during the shooting of a movie in 2007.

The crime was lodged against the actor at Cantonment Police Station in Thiruvananthapuram on September 30, 2024.

Actor Balanchandra Menon submitted before the Court that the de facto complainant was making false allegations against him and threatening to lodge a complaint against him to extort money.

The Public Prosecutor had opposed the bail application and sought time to file a report.

The matter has been posted to November 21 for further consideration.

The plea has been moved by Senior Advocate M Ramesh Chander, Advocates M/S. Bejoy Joseph P.J., Govind G. Nair, Balu Tom & Bonny Benny

Case Number: Bail Appl. No. 9058 Of 2024

Case Title: Balachandra Menon v State of Kerala

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