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The Supreme Court of India on September 30, 2024, granted interim protection from arrest to Malayalam actor Siddique for two weeks. This decision comes in response to a sexual assault case filed against him, fueled by the revelations of the Justice Hema Committee report which highlighted widespread sexual abuse and exploitation within the Kerala film industry. The court's intervention signals a significant development in the ongoing investigation and raises crucial questions about power dynamics and accountability within the industry.
The court, led by Justice Bela Trivedi, questioned the woman who filed the complaint, asking why she had waited eight years to come forward. This line of questioning sparked debate about the complexities of reporting sexual assault, particularly in a context marked by power imbalances and potential intimidation. The woman's lawyer, Vrinda Grover, emphasized the skewed power dynamics within the Malayalam film industry, arguing that Siddique's position as the secretary of a powerful organization and his alleged approach to the woman on Facebook in 2014, when she was 19, created an intimidating environment. This argument highlights the often-unseen pressures that victims face in coming forward, especially when dealing with influential figures in their industry.
Siddique, represented by senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, denied the allegations and stated that the woman had met him at a hotel with her parents. He emphasized his client's age (67) and extensive film career, pleading for protection from arrest. He assured the court that he would be available for the investigation. The State of Kerala, represented by Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, acknowledged the gravity of the allegations and the existence of a Special Investigation Team probing multiple cases arising from the Justice Hema Committee report. Notably, Bhati highlighted the significance of the report, which had taken over seven years to be released, and stated that it is now possible to address the “superheroes” involved in these alleged incidents.
Grover further drew attention to the common thread running through the 29 cases registered in the Malayalam industry: powerful individuals within the film industry demanding “compromise and adjustment” from women in exchange for opportunities. This allegation points towards a systemic issue within the industry, where power dynamics and exploitation appear deeply entrenched. While the Supreme Court's decision to grant interim protection to Siddique is a temporary measure, it underscores the complexities of navigating sexual assault cases in the entertainment industry, where power imbalances, intimidation, and the potential for silencing victims can create significant obstacles to justice.
Source: Actor Siddique gets interim protection from arrest in sexual assault case