Stringent Conditions Imposed to Ensure Cooperation in Investigation and Prevent Interference with Evidence
In a significant development, the Kerala High Court has granted bail to Dhinil Babu, the accused in a high-profile "casting couch" case, subject to stringent conditions. Mr. Jobin Sebastian, J., presided over the proceedings in Bail Application No. 14756 of 2025, issuing the order on December 30, 2025. The case, registered under Crime No.749/2025 of Ernakulam South Police Station, involves allegations of outraging the modesty of a woman under Sections 74, 75(1), and 126(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
The prosecution alleged that the accused lured the complainant, an aspiring actress, with a promise of a film role, only to later restrain and molest her. The incident reportedly took place at the office of Way Farer Films Pvt. Ltd., where the accused allegedly took the complainant to a room under the pretext of discussing a film script and subsequently molested her.
While acknowledging the gravity of the alleged offences, the court noted that the investigation had reached a major stage, and further judicial incarceration of the petitioner would not serve a useful purpose. The court emphasized the need for the accused's cooperation in the ongoing investigation and imposed several stringent conditions to this effect.
The conditions for bail include executing a bond for Rs.50,000 with two solvent sureties, regular appearances before the investigating officer, and a prohibition on contacting the complainant or tampering with evidence. The accused is also required to surrender his passport and refrain from committing any offence while on bail.
This case underscores the judiciary's commitment to addressing serious offences involving the exploitation of women, while ensuring due process and the rights of the accused.
Bottom Line:
Bail granted to accused charged under Sections 74, 75(1), and 126(2) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 for allegedly exploiting professional aspirations of a woman for sexual gratification, subject to stringent conditions to ensure cooperation in investigation and prevent interference with evidence or the complainant.
Statutory provision(s): Sections 74, 75(1), 126(2) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023; Section 483 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023
Dhinil Babu v. State of Kerala, (Kerala) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2831817
