TRIGGER WARNING: This article includes references to sexual abuse.
The Kerala High Court has quashed the sexual harassment case filed against acclaimed Malayalam filmmaker Ranjith Balakrishnan by a Bengali actress, ruling that the case could not be legally pursued due to the significant delay in filing the complaint. According to The Hindu, the court, led by Justice C. Pradeep Kumar, delivered the verdict on Monday (October 27), bringing an end to the criminal proceedings.
Court rules case time-barred
Reportedly, the High Court accepted Ranjith’s plea that the case, based on an alleged incident from 2009, was filed well beyond the permissible time limit for prosecution. The complaint had been registered by the Ernakulam North Police in 2024 which was 15 years after the alleged events. Reportedly, the judge concluded that the Magistrate Court could not legally proceed with the matter given the statutory limitation period.
Allegations linked to ‘Paleri Manikyam’ shoot
The actress had accused Ranjith of misbehaving with her during the filming of Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha. According to her statement, she first met the director while studying in Plus Two at the location of ‘Bavuttiyude Namathil’. She alleged that Ranjith invited her to his flat in Kadavanthra, Kochi, on the pretext of discussing a role and then tried to touch her inappropriately during the meeting. Following the incident, she claimed she decided to withdraw from the project.The complaint which was filed on August 26, 2024, triggered a storm in the Malayalam film industry. This eventually resulted in Ranjith resigning as Chairman of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy.In addition to this case, Ranjith had also faced a separate complaint in Karnataka filed by a male actor. Reportedly, that case was stayed and later quashed. This was after the Karnataka High Court found inconsistencies in the allegations.
DISCLAIMER: If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, assault, or abuse, please seek immediate help. Several helplines are available to offer assistance. Reach out to a mental health specialist, NGO, or trusted individual.
