Kerala HC Grants Interim Bail to Actor Balachandra Menon in Sexual Assault Case

Justice CS Dias It observed that the actual complainant had not given a reasonable explanation for the inordinate delay in lodging the FIR in 2024 when the alleged offense took place between January 12 and January 21, 2001.

“I am satisfied that the petitioner has made a prima facie case for an interim order. I, therefore, direct that in case the Investigating Officer arrests the petitioner in connection with Crime No. 1009/2024 of Thiruvananthapuram Cantonment Police Station, he shall be released on bail on a surety of Rs. 1,00,000/- (Rupees One Lakh Only) and two payment guarantees to the satisfaction of the Investigating Officer.”

The actual complainant alleged that actor Balanchandra Menon sexually assaulted her during the shooting of a film in 2007.

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

Actor Balanchandra Menon stated before the Court that the actual complainant made false allegations against him and threatened to file a complaint to extort money from him.

The Public Prosecutor opposed the bail application and asked for time to submit a report.

The matter was postponed to 21 November for further evaluation.

The claim was moved by Senior Advocate M Ramesh Chander of Advocates M/S. Enjoy Joseph PJ, Govind G. Nair, Balu Tom and Bonny Benny

Case Number: Bail Application No. 2024 9058

Case Title: Balachandra Menon v. State of Kerala

Click here to Read/Download the Order